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Highlands Today

County Fair Almost Ready To Come To Life

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

Gene Parse and James Casali install tracks for the Tilt-A-Whirl on Monday at the Highlands County Fairgrounds.

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By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: February 5, 2008

SEBRING — The 71st Annual Highlands County Fair will feature livestock exhibits, carnival games, yummy food, gravity defying rides, agricultural and other exhibitors, plus live entertainment from Friday Feb. 8 through Saturday Feb.16, at Fireman's Field.

Richard McClain, fair director of the Highlands County Fair Association, talked about the livestock exhibits – his favorite part of the fair – as the first of more than 100 semi-tractor trailers were unloaded Monday at the fairgrounds.

The fair gets kids involved in a project and keeps them busy since they need to work with their animals everyday," said McClain. "They're growing up and learning how to make a profit."

McClain expects 4-H members to exhibit 40 steer, 29 heifers, 105 hogs, 71 rabbits and 78 poultry.

Fair preparation is a year-long event for both participants and staff.

"It's quite an operation and we're ahead of schedule," said McClain. "It's ongoing year round. We don't open the doors, everybody comes, and then we close the doors and everybody goes home."

Animal exhibitors work several months, starting when they purchase an animal, at weigh-ins, training to walk and to show, grooming and learning how to best feed for profit and not waste, while keeping detailed records.

David Alberry, was directing construction of 32 rides, including Orbitor, Fireball, Zipper, Avalanche, plus several children's rides.

"It still all amazes me," said the veteran. "It's just like having a mobile amusement park come into your town. It's neon lights on wheels.

"But best of all, I like to see the kids with smiles on their faces."

Almost constant live entertainment and contests will keep fairgoers busy.

Chefs (and eaters) will enjoy a baking contest on Wednesday Feb. 13 from 6-9 p.m.

Cindy's Girls Scout Cookie contest will take place on Friday Feb. 15 at 6 p.m.

Miss Highlands County will be chosen on Monday Feb. 11, starting at 7 p.m. and Junior Miss Highlands County will be chosen on Tuesday Feb. 12, at 7 p.m.

California Toe Jam will play Saturday Feb. 9, at 2, 4, 6 an 8 p.m.

Quick Fire Band will perform, Friday Feb. 8, at 6 and 8 p.m. and Sun. Feb. 10 at 4, 6 and 8 p.m.

Mark Yuzik, master hypnotist will be back on Feb. 8, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 at 7 and 9 p.m. and Feb. 9 and 16 at 5, 7 and 9 p.m. and Feb. 10 at 4, 6 and 8 p.m.

Masters of the Chain saw will happen on Feb. 8, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15, from 5 to 10 p.m.; Feb. 11 and 16 from 1 to 10 p.m. and on Feb. 10 from 1-9 p.m.

Tropical Tom will perform on Feb. 8, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15, 5-10 p.m. and Feb. 9 and 16, from 1 to 10 p.m.

Rick and the Allnighters will take the stage on Feb. 11, 12, 12, 14, 15 at 6 and 8 p.m. and Feb. 16 at 5, 7 and 9 p.m.

Buildings, including the livestock displays, will be open from 5-10 p.m., with the main fairgrounds open from 5-11 p.m., Monday-Thursday and until midnight, on Friday and Saturday night.

Admission is $6 for adults, and children 10 and under are free. On Thursday, K-12 students will get in for $3, On Tuesday, seniors will be admitted for $3 and military personnel will enter for $3.

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