SEBRING — Staying poised in front of a crowd can be tough for a 13-year-old in an evening gown and high heels. But what worries Celeste Breylinger more is making the judges fall in love with her hog, Cledius. Breylinger has her sights set on both a beauty pageant crown and a blue ribbon for the hog competition at the Highlands County Fair. The annual Highlands County tradition returns to Firemen's Field from Friday, Feb. 8 through Saturday, Feb. 16. ...more

February 7, 2008

SEBRING — As the fair approaches, excitement is mounting in the Bickman house. "We look forward to the fair all year," said Samantha Bickman, leader of Country Clovers 4-H Group. "The fairgrounds are our home away from home." Hundreds of families throughout the county are in the same position as the Bickmans, preparing for the festivities of the Highlands County Fair, which starts Friday. Brothers Michael and Justin Bickman wake up at 6 every morning to feed and water their animals. They each have swine, chickens and rabbits to show at the fair. ...more

February 6, 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. ...more

February 5, 2008

SEBRING — About 3,000 people were expected to turn out Saturday for SnowFest 2008 at Sebring Raceway. One was Autumn, 6, of Sebring, who came with her mother, Stacy Malone. ...more

January 19, 2008

SEBRING — Three of Sebring's prominent residents have died within less than one week. Former Police Chief Lonnie Curl, 87, died Tuesday at his Sebring home. Former Police Chief Bob Baker attended Curl's funeral Friday and then died of a heart attack later that night. Former Postmaster Ray Graddy, 92, died Saturday. "To me Ray Graddy represents what the old pioneers of Sebring are all about," said Craig Johnson, a friend of Graddy. "He cared about his community, and he gave back." Johnson said Graddy was a nice man who always treated people well. ...more

November 20, 2007