Rockbridge Regional Fair & Expo Returns This Week
The Rockbridge Regional Fair & Expo returns to the Virginia Horse Center this Thursday through Saturday with carnival rides, live entertainment, livestock and agricultural exhibits, local vendors, food and the community traditions that make the fair a favorite Rockbridge County event.
This year’s theme, “Stars and Stripes over Carnival Lights,” celebrates America’s 250th anniversary while highlighting the agriculture, traditions, talents and people that make the fair a special part of the community.
The Village of Kerrs Creek is the presenting sponsor of this year’s fair, helping support the fair’s continued growth. The sponsorship grew out of a community fundraising effort that brought together approximately 88 local businesses, farms, families and friends, who contributed nearly $4,000 toward this year’s fair. The Village also helped inspire this year’s theme.
Rides, Midway Fun And Fair Food The carnival midway will once again be a highlight of the fair, with Fun Time Family Amusements returning as the ride provider. Fairgoers can enjoy a variety of carnival rides, games and midway attractions throughout the three-day event.
Unlimited ride wristbands will be $25, offering fairgoers the opportunity to enjoy the midway throughout the evening. Individual ride tickets will also be available.
A variety of food vendors will be on hand throughout the event, offering favorites ranging from hearty meals to sweet treats and snacks.
Entertainment, Competitions And Theme Nights
The entertainment lineup brings a mix of competition, music, nostalgia and family entertainment to the fairgrounds.
Thursday’s mechanical bull riding competition will put riders’ balance and determination to the test as they attempt to stay aboard the bucking bull. Spectators can enjoy the action, while those looking for a challenge can take their own turn during open riding time. Competitive riders will have the opportunity to compete for banners, buckles, and bragging rights.
Open Mic Night will be on Friday, featuring The Blue Ridge Boys and hosted by Mark Potter from 3WZ. The night will put local talent in the spotlight and give performers an opportunity to take the stage.
Saturday night will bring a healthy dose of nostalgia with “We Love the ‘80s Night,” with the Amulet Band.
Adding a western flair to the fair will be the Cowboy Circus featuring Danny Grant, with performances Thursday and Friday at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Saturday at 2, 4:30 and 7 p.m.
The Cowgirl Circus featuring Lindsay Grant will be a rolling attraction, giving fairgoers additional opportunities to enjoy the entertainment throughout the fair.
All featured entertainment will be held indoors, rain or shine. Limited bleacher seating will be available, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs for comfortable seating.
Agriculture And Community Traditions While the carnival lights may draw visitors to the fair, agriculture remains at the heart of the fair.
The 4-H/FFA livestock shows and agricultural exhibits highlight the hard work of local youth, while the Expo, hosted by the Rockbridge County Homesteaders, showcases the creativity and talents found throughout the community.
Poultry and livestock will be on display throughout the fair, giving visitors an opportunity to see the animals and learn more about the agricultural traditions that are an important part of our region.
The Poultry Show, located in the Reel Arena/East Complex, will showcase local exhibitors and their birds, highlighting the care, skill and dedication that go into raising poultry.
Quilts And Toys
The Quilt Show will showcase the work of area quilters, giving visitors a chance to admire the craftsmanship, creativity and time that go into each quilt.
The Toy Show, hosted by the Rockbridge County High School FFA, will offer visitors an opportunity to see a collection of farm toys.
Saturday Farmers Market Saturday morning will bring another community favorite to the fairgrounds with the farmers market, open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The market, a collaboration of all the local area markets, provides an opportunity to support local growers, producers and makers while enjoying another part of the fair before the final day gets underway.
Saturday Family Fun
Saturday brings several opportunities for fairgoers to get in on the action. The pedal pull gives young fairgoers a chance to put their strength and determination to the test in a fun tractor-pulling competition.
The Redneck Olympics, organized by the Rockbridge County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, will bring plenty of laughs and friendly competition with a series of farm-themed challenges.
And, of course, the alwayspopular Critter Scramble will bring plenty of excitement and laughter to the fair.
Park, Donate And Win Admission to the fair remains free. Fairgoers are invited to make a suggested $5 free-will parking donation, but the donation is not required.
Those who make the suggested donation will also have a chance to win a Blackstone Griddle, donated by the Rockbridge Farmers Co-op. Each $5 donation provides one entry into the drawing.
“Come out, make some memories and enjoy the stars, the stripes and the carnival lights,” said a fair spokesperson.
