Highlands County Fair Starts Friday

The 72nd Highlands County Fair starts its nine-day run of shows, rides, contests, exhibits and more on Friday.

The Midway will feature the Reithoffer Shows with thrill rides, family rides, kiddie's rides, games, food and fun for the whole family.

The Expo Stage comes alive with rock 'n' roll bands and other musical performances.

Livestock judging and showmanship is featured in the Livestock Pavilion.

See a variety of displays and exhibits in the three exhibits buildings on the Independent Midway.

A new beauty pageant joins the Miss Highlands County and Junior Miss Highlands County beauty pageants.

The Little Miss Highlands County Pageant will make its debut at 7 p.m., Monday, in the Expo Pavilion with six contestants between the ages of 8 and 11.

Christie Spiegel, coordinator for all three pageants, said with the fair being held earlier than usual a lot of people were unaware of the earlier deadline dates for the pageants.

"I think this one will grow; it's something new," she said of the Little Miss pageant. "I think next year will be a little different."

Spiegel stressed that fairgoers should note that the Miss Highlands County (ages 16-19) and the Junior Miss Highlands County (ages 12-15) beauty pageants will be held on different nights of the week than in the past.

The Junior Miss Highlands County Pageant, with 17 contestants, will be held the opening night of the fair (Friday) at 7 p.m. in the Expo Pavilion.

The Miss Highlands County Pageant, with 11 contestants, will be held at 7 p.m., Saturday, in the Expo Pavilion.

"Boot Scootin' Beauty" is the theme for all three pageants.