The tractors will be on display and sponsored by BCHS’s Future Farmers of America.
The Foothills Country Fair has been known for eight years as one of Bradley County’s signature events ... with officials coming up with fresh ideas for visitors who can get in for only $5 a day or purchase, at a special price, everyday admission pins. The fair committee is also offering free space for exhibitors (vendors excluded) who may wish to set up a booth. Costs are being held down due to the generosity of major sponsors, according to fair officials.
“We are very excited this year to introduce one new venue and competition which we expect to grow into one of the most popular and expansive elements of the fair,” said Louie Alford, president of the Foothills Country Fair.
“The Backyard BBQ Bash will debut and we are calling all pit masters locally or regionally to come show us their skills,” Alford explained.
Barbecue chicken, ribs, rump or shoulder roasts will be rubbed or mopped by pit masters, roasted until tender, then served to a special panel of judges for interpretation.
“No ... we didn’t forget about prizes or money,” Alford said.
“A pit master can win either one or all three meat-style categories and claim a prize and trophy. A ‘Grand Champion’ will also be selected and a reserve (second place) in the overall competition, or the Grand Champion could win all three categories,” Alford explained.
“Rules will be based on the Kansas City BBQ Society guidelines and a pit master can have up to five assistants to help them as they prepare their meat or meats of choice,” he added.
Judges will base their decisions on three categories — appearance, tenderness and taste.
“Food has always been a big part of country fairs. This year and the following years, we hope to be able to establish more cultural events such as the Backyard BBQ Bash,” Alford said.
The Foothills Country Fair will get under way at 6 p.m. nightly. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m.
The Cultural Arts contests will be judged prior to the opening.
Best egg, veggies, canning, bread and other bakery-style cooks will have the opportunity to show their skills.
Art such as pencil, ink, water color and other mediums, including photography, a variety of crafting items and clothing items, also will be judged.
The Cultural Arts Contest is open to all age categories.
Opening ceremonies for the fair begin at 6 tonight, followed by the Fair Pageant, including Fairest of the Fair.
Musical entertainment such as acts like the Collins Brothers Band and James Rogers are also scheduled for Saturday evening and other entertainers are scheduled to perform throughout the weekend.
Lawnmower racing, a demolition derby and many other activities are being scheduled.
“With all this going on at the fair, it might be a good time for barbecue,” Alford said.
Alford said a complete list of BBQ Bash rules are to be posted at www.foothillscountryfair.webs.com., as well as information regarding other contests and activities.
The Foothills Country Fair will get under way tonight at 5:30 p.m., Friday at 4 p.m., Saturday at 10 a.m. and events are planned for Sunday as well, beginning at just after noon.
