Fairs continue

Sunday, January 1, 1905

Eleven Ruritan Clubs in the region are partnering to put on the Foothills Country Fair in Cleveland, Tenn., a show that continues to grow every year.

New this year, said organizers, is a Backyard Barbecue Bash, which starts tonight and concludes with an awards presentation on Saturday. It's unique in that it is only open to nonprofessional teams.

Tonight is Smackdown Country Night at the fair, so-named for the Tennessee Mountain Wrestling match. The Collins Brothers will play at 8:30 p.m.

Saturday's events get under way at 10 a.m. with a cattle show. Throughout the day there will be stick-horse races, baby pageants, a demolition derby and music by Brice Armstrong. A concert by James Rogers will wrap up Saturday's schedule.

After Sunday service with the Cleveland Cowboy Church, there will be a sheep show at noon, dog races and lawnmower races at 2 p.m.

FAIRS THIS WEEKEND

Bledsoe County Fair: 2762 Upper East Valley Road. Events today and Saturday. $3 daily gate pass, free for ages 6 and younger.

Coffee County Fair: 99 Lakeview Drive, Manchester, Tenn. Saturday through Sept. 24.

Foothills Country Fair: Tri-State Exhibition Center, Cleveland, Tenn. Music, exhibits, pageants, 4-10 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday. $5 daily or $10 weekend pin. www.foothillscountryfair.webs.com.

Northwest Georgia Regional Fair: Cherokee Capital Fairgrounds, Rome Road, half-mile west of Georgia 53 Spur/Georgia 53 intersection, Calhoun, Ga. Includes midway rides, music, dancers, clowns, petting zoo, games and food. Gates open at 5 p.m. today and Saturday.

Polk County Fair: Showbarn on Highway 411, Benton, Tenn. Gates open 6-10 p.m. daily through Saturday, music 8-10 p.m. Free. 423-715-3975, 423-338-8648, 423-338-1910.