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The White County Fair is the largest county fair in Arkansas and has been voted one of the TOP 10 county fairs in the nation. And rightfully so! There is something for everyone and every night is packed with entertainment and activities for all ages to enjoy.
Growing up in the area, “Fair Week” dictated much of everyone’s schedule and activities. Normal life and routine gets put on hold for a week while everyone shuffles schedules so they can enjoy the annual parade and their other favorite parts of the fair.
I’ve already dusted off my cowgirl boots and am ready to go! My family’s favorite part of the fair is the livestock showing and the rodeo. This year, I’m looking forward to introducing my kids to showing animals at the fair. They are too young to do it this year, but I will have my three toddlers in tow as we head off to watch the Pee Wee showmanship of the livestock. Seriously- who can resist watching kids and pygmy goats?
Since the White County Fair is the largest county fair in the state, the livestock showing is very competitive among the junior division, which is ages 9-19. We love visiting the barns and watching all the kids take such care with their animals. You can smell the hard work and dedication immediately when you walk in. And other things, and I am not talking about the corndogs.
Speaking of food, one of my favorite things at the White County Fair is getting a good ole, bad for you, fried pancake batter, smothered in sugar—funnel cake goodness. It’s tradition. You can’t go to the fair without indulging in one of these. Just eat some broccoli for lunch so you won’t feel so bad about sharing eating the whole thing at the fair with a frozen lemonade to wash it down.
If Funnel Cakes and Livestock aren’t your thing, don’t worry, there are plenty of other things to choose from. Each night, there is featured entertainment which goes something like this:
| Saturday | September 6th | 12:00pm | Tractor Pull |
| Saturday | September 6th | 1:00 pm | Auto Cross |
| Saturday | September 6th | 7:00 pm | Lawn Mower Races |
| Saturday | September 6th | 7:30pm | Cody Slaughter (Elvis Impersonator) |
| Sunday | September 7th | 5:30pm | One Night (Sponsored by Sons of Thunder and Daughters of Light) |
| Monday | September 8th | 7:00pm | Fair Queen Contest |
| Tuesday | September 9th | 7:00 pm | Talent Show |
| Wednesday | September 10th | 7:00pm | ATV Races |
| Wednesday | September 10th | 7:00 pm | J.R. Rogers Band |
| Thursday | September 11th | 7:00 pm | Monster Trucks |
| Friday | September 12th | 7:30 pm | Matt Dame |
| Friday | September 12th | 8:00 pm | Rodeo |
| Saturday | September 13th | 6:00 pm | Demolition Derby |
| Saturday | September 13th | 8:00pm | Rodeo |
In addition to the featured entertainment of the day, we can’t forget about all the prizes and contests. Categories range from crafts, food preparation, food preservation, gardening, and lots more!
Go ahead and dust off the recipe from Great Grandma’s apple pie and get it entered in the contest so that you can add White County Fair Blue Ribbon winner to your list of accomplishments.
Seriously, it’s all for fun, so get involved! The White County Fair even sponsors an FFA and 4H day that allows all the students of White County to come and participate in contests, judging and events.
Of course, most of the teenagers and children in the area come to the White County Fair to enjoy the thrill of all the rides and carnival games. So, let’s not forget about those! What was your favorite ride at the fair as a kid?
The Fair is definitely not just for kids. The White County Hospital sponsors Senior Citizens/Veteran’s Day with over 1600 attending.
The White County Fair closes its last night with a bang with the most popular and most anticipated Demolition Derby and Last night of the Rodeo. The fairgrounds are buzzing with people, laughter, fellowship, and entertainment.
So come on out and enjoy the wonderful White County Fair in Searcy, Arkansas.
Below are links for more information.
White County Fair Webpage
Event Schedule
Exhibit and Horticulture information
Livestock Exhibit Information
Motor Sports and Derby Information
Rodeo/Horse Show Information
And, just for fun and giggles- Here’s a picture of myself and a high cchool buddy from 11 years ago! (Picture is taken with an old fashioned 35 mm camera) Here is our tribute to the White County Fair Queen Contest. My bud was crowned queen and I walked away with runner up. Great memories and good times! Now it’s our turn to take our kids to the Fair.
NOTE: Photos were used with permission and compliments of the White County Fair.
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