'Barn Lights & Country Nights' at the Marion County Fair

Jul. 12—KNOXVILLE — Come one, come all and check out the fun at the Marion County Fair in Knoxville July 14-20, packed with livestock exhibits and summer activities for the whole family to enjoy. This year's theme is "Barn Lights and Country Nights."

Local exhibitors and 4-H members look forward to the county fair all year long, says Ashtin Wells, Marion County Extension Office youth coordinator.

"They're really passionate about it," Wells says. "They've worked all year long to put these projects together, and then they get to bring them ... to sit down and show their work off ... I know they're super excited to show off their hard work."

This year, the Marion County Fair is increasing its Clover Kids, or pre 4-H programming. Wells is excited for the younger age group to get more of the "fair experience" moving forward.

The fair kicks off Friday, July 14 starting with the 4-H Dog Obedience Show at 8:30 a.m. Come out to watch the kids and their pups strut their stuff. The night will end with performances by country music star Sara Evans with Walker Montgomery at the Knoxville Raceway. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 15 starts with the 4-H, FFA Meat Goat Show in the Show Pavilion at 9 a.m. Cheer on youngsters as they compete in the Kiwanis Kiddie Tractor Pull, which will take place near the grandstand. Then pop over to the show pavilion to catch the Pet and Cat Show and stick around for Sprint Car races and introduction of the fair queen at 6:45 p.m.

Start off Sunday, July 16 with a church service in the Show Pavilion offered by the Columbia Methodist Church at 8 a.m. Stay at the pavilion for the Clover Kid Pet Show at 9:15 a.m. or head over to the Horse Arena to catch the Horse Show at 8:30 a.m.

Watch the Clover Kid Bottle Lamb Show in the Show Pavilion at 10:15 a.m. and enjoy the Marion County Cattlemen Lunch there from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Clover Kid Bottle Calf Show will be held in the Show Pavilion at 12:15 p.m.

At 1 p.m. enjoy a good old-fashioned bingo game in the Bingley Building or head down to the area near the livestock barns to cheer on the Farm Bureau's Skid Steer Rodeo, operated by Bandstra Farms.

Take in the cuteness of the Baby Contest at 3 p.m. in the Dyer-Hudson Hall and cap off the day with a rodeo at 7 p.m. on the infield.

Monday, July 17 starts with the Sheep Show at 8 a.m. in the Show Pavilion. The Poultry Show will take place at 3 p.m. in the Poultry Barn followed by the Livestock Judging Contest in the Show Pavilion at 4 p.m. At 7 p.m. enjoy a choice of "Impact Pro" Professional Wrestling in the Show Pavilion or the Fun Horse Show at the Horse Arena.

Tuesday, July 18 will start bright and early with the Rabbit Show in the Rabbit Barn at 7 a.m. followed by the Beef Show in the Show Pavilion at 8 a.m. At 1 p.m. will be the Dairy Cattle and Goat Show and at 3 p.m. will be the 4-H Bucket Calf Show, immediately followed by the 4-H Bucket Lamb and Goat Show.

Get revved up for the evening watching monster trucks at 6 p.m.

On Wednesday, July 19, the day will begin with the Swine Show at 8 a.m. in the Show Pavilion. At 6 p.m. the 4-H Foundation will hold recognition events in honor of its senior members. There will also be a parade of champions and the 4-H Bucket of Junk Auction.

The fair will wrap up Thursday, July 20 with a Buyer's Appreciation Breakfast in the Show Pavilion at 8 a.m., followed by a Livestock Sale at 8:30 a.m.

Throughout the week of programming, the heart of the fair is the local youth participating.

"These kids put in a lot of work from day one until fair," Wells says. "Fair is their showcase to show what they've learned, and where they started, and how they've come."

For more information and scheduling, visit knoxvilleraceway.com/pages/marion-county-fair .

Channing Rucks can be reached at crucks@oskyherald.com .