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County fair

Fair has delights for nearly everyone

Animal shows, food, rodeo, plenty of music and more await visitors this year.

By LOGAN NEILL
Published April 15, 2005

Whether it's the roar of a high-powered monster truck or the drum of pounding hooves from a saddle bronc, the sights and sounds of the 2005 Hernando County Fair and Youth Livestock Show are what makes it exciting family entertainment.

However, many people feel it's the simple, down-home activities such as pie-eating contests, karaoke competitions and live exhibits that make a county fair a distinctive slice of Americana.

"We're always looking for neat activities for people to do when they get here," Hernando County Fair Association president Deb Pedone said. "The fair has always offered people the opportunity to show their stuff."

That means that if chowing down is your talent, you've got numerous opportunities to demonstrate your "fast food" prowess with corn dog, spaghetti, ice cream, funnel cake and, of course, pie eating contests throughout the fair's 11-day run.

Those with the a "need for speed" should consider checking out the quick Show Me Racing Pigs that will race periodically throughout the day. However, if it's rodent competition you crave, you might check out a little mouse racing at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Animals, of course, are traditionally a big part of the fair. This year's event will feature three days of PCA professional rodeo starting at 8 p.m. today. Rodeo admission is $12 for adults and $5 for kids 4 through 12 and includes fair admission.

Local kids will be vying for honors in livestock competitions throughout the week, concluding with the livestock sale at 3 p.m. April 23. For sheer fun, there's even greased pig racing at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

Live music can be found in a variety of places this year. Folks will be able to cheer on their favorite karaoke singers in the Nature Coast American Idol competition that gets under way at 2 p.m. Sunday in the auditorium with preliminary contests. Finals are at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Local teen bands will have their chance to see who's best in the Youth Battle of the Bands at 7 p.m. April 22 in the auditorium.

The fair will also feature live local entertainers, with performances by Brian Chytka, Jenny Rimmer and the Tall Grass acoustic duo.

On April 24, the fair will feature an afternoon of music starting at 2 p.m. with the Marshall Tucker Band, plus Led Zeppelin tribute band ZOSO and Gray Beards and Divas. Tickets to the concert are $15, which includes fair admission.

[Last modified April 15, 2005, 00:49:17]