SALISBURY – The 61st Annual Rowan County Fair rolls into town Monday evening.
Along with the rides, the chicken and dumplings, cotton candy and the exhibits, there is much to learn from the fair, especially in agriculture. With the increased interest in local foods, many people have increasing interest in agriculture. Gravitate to the livestock barns if your interest is in farm animals. Livestock and small animal shows take center stage in the evenings, especially the youth shows. Youth participants have been preparing for weeks for the right to show and compete with their animals next week.
Below is a list of important dates for these animal shows and other events at the 2012 Rowan County Fair. Go to the Rowan County Fair Website at: http://www.rowancountyfair.org/generalinformation/schedule.aspx for more information about other events.
Today – Last day the Rowan County Fair will accept entries. Entry forms may be dropped off at the Cooperative Extension Service Office on Old Concord Road in Salisbury. Forms may also be faxed to 704-216-8995 by 5 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 16 – 2-6 p.m., exhibits arrive and entries accepted at the fair. Those who have entered items can bring them and pick up their tickets at the exhibit office.
Monday, Sept. 17
• 9 a.m. – Judging of exhibits and booths in educational building.
• 6:15 p.m. – Junior Ewe Show
• 7 p.m. – Junior Meat Goat Show
Tuesday, Sept. 18
• 4:45 p.m. – Lamb Dress-up Contest; lambs dress-up in a variety of outfits or themes. Contestants are judged on creativity and uniqueness.
• 5 p.m. – Beef Cattle Show
Wednesday, Sept. 19
• 4 p.m. – Sheep Show for Special Needs Children.
• 5 p.m. – Junior Market Lamb Show. Youth across the county show their lambs they have raised during the year.
• 7:30 p.m. – Market Lamb Sale begins
Thursday, Sept. 20
• 6 p.m. – 4-H Junior Dog Show; this show is open to youth ages 5-19. Dogs must be on a leash and at least 4 months old. All dogs must be current on vaccinations. Registration begins at 5 p.m. and all must be registered by 5:30.
Friday, Sept. 21
• 6 p.m. – Dairy Dress-up Contest. Milk cows dress up in various themes. Contestants are judged on creativity and uniqueness.
• 6:30 p.m. – Dairy Goat Show
Saturday, Sept. 22
• 1 p.m. – Dairy Cattle Show. This is the largest county fair dairy show in North Carolina.
• Midnight – the Rowan County Fair officially closes
Sunday, Sept. 23 – 2-4 p.m., all general exhibits will be released at this time. Entries not picked up will be left unattended.