The Grayson Fair returns August 7 and 8 and it’s finally warm enough to start planting! Now is the time to think about entering something in the Fair. Competition categories include fruits and vegetables, field crops, baked and preserved goods, photography, art, flowers, plants, crafts, honey, and quilts. Basic information for entering a successful exhibit is found on the website https://www. https://www.graysoncountyvafair.com/. Click on the “General Entries” tab. In the “Contest Categories” box click on “Entry Regulations”. The general rules for entry are above each category in the “General Competitions Entry Rules and Regulations” pdf with specific information next to the items in the category. The contest categories box is also where you’ll find additional resources for entering each category and the entry forms. Youth and adults are judged separately and judging is impartial. Names are not displayed during judging. Entries will be accepted Wednesday August 5 from 3-7pm at Bottomley’s Evergreens warehouse in Elk Creek.
Do you have livestock? The Youth Livestock Show includes poultry and goat shows in addition to the sheep, dairy and beef cattle shows. Do you raise bees? Enter the Honey competition. Are you a young artist? The poster contest is for you. Do you like growing things? There are several competitions that might appeal to you: fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants, and field crops. Do you like to bake or can? Enter the food preservation and food preparation competitions. Arts and crafts include a wide range of items. Needle crafts include quilts, knitted, crocheted and sewn items. Crafts include baskets, beading, leather, jewelry, and woodworking. Art includes watercolors, oil and acrylic painting, sculpture, and other media.
Photo boards are available in the Tourism office of the 1908 Courthouse free of charge so you can mount photos before August 5th and save time which is preferred. We will have photo boards on August 5th as well.
If you are interested in entering the youth livestock show, please contact Kevin Spurlin, Grayson County Extension Agent, at 276-773-2491 or spurlink@vt.edu.
There are lots of fun Fair activities and food in addition to the Fair Competitions.
On Friday, August 7th at noon, kids can enjoy the popular Egg Toss competition. This is a partner activity where youth toss an egg back and forth while increasing the distance between them each round. The Cornhole Tournament will take place Friday evening at 6:00pm and promises to be fun for all skill levels. The tournament offers a $100 prize to the winning team. Teams will need to pay a $5 entry fee and sign up at the Fair information booth by Friday at 5pm.
The nail-biting Pinewood Derby will take place at 6:30Pm on Friday, be sure to come prepared to participate with your car that meets the requirements. Don’t forget the Magic show, Fletcher Roberts will be on stage Friday at 5 pm and again on Saturday at noon.
Saturday at 11AM you can enjoy a paint class sponsored by Sparta Art Parties, Watch the Appalachian Hoedowners Clogging team, or participate in (or just observe) the Blow-Up Costume race. Individuals run a barrel racing clover pattern around three barrels in blow-up costumes (provided). Fastest time wins! There will be different age divisions, including an adult division. Both events will offer cash prizes.
One of the favorites from last year is back. “Ag Olympics”, which will take place Saturday, August 8th at 2PM. Teams of two (one age 14 or older and one 13 or younger) pair up and show their skills of common farm tasks, like driving a t-post, carrying buckets of water, milking a cow and more.
Live music will be offered both days at the Fair. Come for lunch on Friday and enjoy several acts from the “Legends of Grayson Showcase”, starting at 1pm with the Biscuit Eaters followed by Garret Wyatt and Friends. Come back on Saturday to hear the Hollifield Boys, The Yates Family Band and Adam Bolt.
The popular Dog Show will be held on Saturday at 4pm. The Dog Show offers friendly, furry competition in both youth and adult divisions. Competition categories include a farm dog category in addition to obedience, puppy obedience, costume, and trick categories. Bring your pup or just come be a part of the fun! Check out the details including an online signup form, score sheets and videos at www.graysoncountyvafair.com/dog-show.
The Grayson County Livestock Show is an exciting part of the Fair activities and offers youth showmanship in swine, goats, poultry, dairy cattle, and beef cattle. Sign up for youth livestock competitions at: https://www.graysoncountyvafair.com/livestock-show-entry-form
“Bingo Boys” will engage young and old alike. Also known as cow patty bingo, Fairgoers can purchase a “square” for $2 and see where the “cow patties” land! Squares will win varied prizes.
Activities for the youngest children will be expanded for this year’s Fair as well. In addition to the popular bouncy houses, and crafts with Miss Lynn, there will be a petting zoo, Story time with the animals and corn pit geared just for kids. Pony rides will be available (one free ride per fair attendance, additional rides available for $5, which benefits the rescue animals at Rock Springs Farm).
Interested in getting started with bees or just learning more about pollinators? The honey show is a popular exhibit at the Fair and is staffed by knowledgeable area beekeepers who are delighted to share their knowledge and can sign you up for beekeeping class. Don’t like bees? How about gardening? Mountain Empire Master Gardeners will be on site with great information to help you out with your gardens.
This year’s Fair will offer plenty of confections to satisfy all Fair-goers, including cotton candy, funnel cakes, and ice cream. Several food trucks will be offering their goodies throughout the Fair. Plan to get some sweets or a whole meal!
Plan to attend the Grayson County Fair Friday and Saturday August 7 & 8 located at Bottomley’s Farm and Evergreens, located at 10278 Elk Creek Pkwy, Elk Creek VA.