Family Fun at the Highland Fair!
The Highland County Fair means many different things to many different folks in our majestic, mountain community: the end of Summer, the culmination of livestock projects, nostalgia, family tradition, celebration, relaxation, volunteerism, you name it…
Since the early 1950’s, our community has pulled together to host one of our iconic events – the Highland County Fair. Locals volunteer to work food stands, drive golf carts to pick-up and deliver parking guests to the fairgrounds, serve on committees, help and encourage youth, and so much more. Some even volunteer throughout the entire year just to see this annual goal through to fruition. It is at the heart of our community.
The annual Highland County Fair kicks off with the Highland County Horse Show, a portion of the festivities that elders the Fair’s history. English and Western riders from around the community and the region bring their equine friends to the fairgrounds and compete in classes, such as Cloverleaf Barrels, Youth Horsemanship, Over Fences, and Pleasure and Gaited classes. (In yesteryears, the Horse Show was the main event of the Fair and took place on Saturday. It began around 9 am, took a break for lunch and dinner, and in some years, lasted until close to or after midnight!)
Festivities continue on Wednesday with events like the Fair Parade on Wednesday, the Demolition Derby on Thursday, the Tractor and Diesel Truck Pull on Friday, and the Truck Pull on Saturday. Other favorites including the Hog & Cattle Show (Wednesday), the Goat & Sheep Show (Thursday), the Kiddie Show, Sheep Costume Contest & Obstacle Course, and the Little Switzerland Cloggers show (Friday), and the Dog Show, Cornhole Tournament, and Bluegrass Show (Saturday).
To see a full Schedule of Events including new, annual featured events, CLICK HERE!
Of note for families, Wednesday night is “Family Night” and offers a reduced rate of $6.00 for “Ride All Night” wristbands, and on Saturday, there is a matinee ride time from 1 – 5 pm when wristbands are only $10. (Normally, “Ride-All-Night” wristbands are $15 each.)
Of course, one can always have fun at the Fair on a modest budget by taking in the arts & crafts, baked goods, educational, sewing, and photography exhibits in the Elementary Gym, enjoying the free live entertainment throughout the fairgrounds, AND one can spend a mere 25 cents per card on games of Bingo. (The latter is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat multiple times throughout the evening!) And of course, you can enjoy yummy fair food, such as chicken patties, hamburgers, steak subs, ice cream, onion rings, and french fries, while enjoying the attractions.
Also, if you plan to attend multiple nights of the Fair, purchase a Season Ticket for $25. You can buy this ticket at the gate during the event or at any pre-sale locations, which include Blue Grass Mercantile, Brightway Exxon, Fast Break, Lightner’s Electrical, Stonewall Grocery, and Rexrode’s Country Store. Season Tickets went on sale August 7. (Regular daily admission is $10 for ages 15 and up. Kids under 15 are free!)
But… as an adult… we have to say the best thing about the Highland County Fair is the opportunity to turn into a kid again! Come out to the Highland County Fair, grab some cotton candy, ride the Ferris Wheel, and take in one of the oldest small county fairs in the state of Virginia!
Blue Grass Cabin 