"Show Me the Fun" is this year's theme for the Miller County Fair, a statement sure to be supported by an array of activities, vendors and carnival rides.
The events began last Thursday with the first stage of competition for Miss Miller County and Miss Teen Miller County tonight and wrap up with a Demolition Derby July 8. In between, fairgoers can attend the annual parade, ride carnival rides, watch and compete in youth livestock shows, and attend the Glory Days Rodeo.^
The carnival will open at 6 p.m. each evening July 4-8. Pulled pork dinners along with other traditional barbecue dishes will be available for purchase from Lions Club and 4-H concession stands.
Willard Hayes, president of the Miller County Fair Board, extends his welcome to fairgoers: "Our hope is that folks will come out and join us for dinner and then stay to ride rides or watch the many events we are hosting."
Money raised by the Miller County Fair is used to support the many scholarships and prizes awarded to youth competitors.
"The fair is a nonprofit event," Hayes said. "All money goes to youth exhibitors."
Fairground events on Wednesday will feature animal shows beginning at 4 p.m., followed by a Lawn and Garden Tractor Pull and the Little Mr. and Miss Contest on the Fairground Grandstand Stage.
Thursday will feature "Helen Russell & Company" at 6:30 p.m. and a Stock and Tractor Pull at 7 p.m.
The Livestock Auction will be held July 7, followed by the Compact Figure 8 Race.
The 2017 Miller County Fair ends July 8 with the Demolition Derby.
"This takes many hours of work to put on, and we hope people will come out and support the youth," Hayes said.
Contestants in the Queen Pageant have been preparing throughout June to present their best performances for the Miss Miller County and Miss Teen Miller County judges. Contestants eligible for Miss Miller County are between ages 17-22 and for Miss Teen Miller County are between ages 13-16.
"This teaches the contestants the ability to perform a one- to 2-minute presentation in front of an audience. Some of the girls are not in band or choir, so this helps them to develop their self-confidence and strive for perfection in front of a group," said pageant organizer Susan Kriegshauser.
This evening, the ladies will compete in an on-stage interview and fitness wear competition at Eldon High School Performing Arts Center. An optional talent competition will be held as well, in which the competitors can give a musical, dance or dramatic performance to win additional scholarship money. The final piece of the competition will be held tomorrow evening, in which the ladies will compete in evening wear. Winners and runners-up will be announced and awarded scholarships at the end of the evening.
Entry to the Queen Pageant events is $5 for adults aged 13 and above, $1 for youth ages 6-13, and free for youth ages 5 and under.
Fair entry is $10 for adults, $2 for 6-12 year old's, and free for youth 5 and under. Carnival armbands are $20 for unlimited rides.
Armbands and three-day passes are available in advance for a discount at Woods Supermarket in Eldon through Monday.
For more information about the Miller County Fair, go to millercountyfair.com.