84th Cleveland County Fair kicks off 10-day run Sept. 25

The International Demolition Derby will offer some fender-bending excitement Friday, Sept. 26, and Thursday, Oct. 2. In the past, professionals from outside the area have taken the winner's circle, but this year many locals have honed their skills, hoping to bang their way to victory. SHELBY - Remember the smell of cotton candy, vinegar fries and new mown hay? Remember whirling rides streaking colored lights against an autumn night sky? Remember when Cleveland County Fair time meant thrills and fun for families and friends? If you remember these things, then you are definitely part of the Cleveland County Fair's 84- year tradition.

Whether you are seven or 70, you're sure to have fond memories of the fair.

Begun by the Kiwanis Club of Shelby in 1924, residents of western North Carolina gathered at the Cleveland County fairgrounds in early autumn to exhibit crops, livestock, sewing and canning. From its beginnings, the Cleveland County Fair was recognized as one of the state's largest and best agricultural fairs. For many people in those early days, fair time was a grand holiday, comparable to Christmas. Today, as then, fair time means fun time - part of a tradition that has remained throughout the years.

Unforgettable fun The 2008 version of the action-packed event begins a 10- day run Thursday, Sept. 25, and continues through Saturday, Oct. 4. The fair will play host to 6,000 exhibits and 2,000 exhibitors along with music, food, family entertainment, horticulture, livestock, history, arts and crafts, and the Reithoffer Carnival Midway.

Crowd favorites can be found on the grandstand with the Demolition Derby and the Southern Tractor Pull. Spectacular fireworks will mark both the opening and closing nights of the fair.

The Performing Arts Stage will see local favorite beach band Ocean Boulevard, pianist Leon Jacobs Jr., and Gary Claxton (The Mouth of The South) with hilarious Christian stand-up comedy. Out on the midway can be found Boots n' Britches with their 1923 Dream Camper, Mountain Dan Chainsaw Artist, The Star Family Circus, Agricadabra and, of course, the ever-popular Hogway Speedway Pig Races. Weathers Arena will host cheerleading, youth talent shows and New Blood Wrestling. Add to the excitement, the thrilling Reithoffer Carnival Midway and all the fabulous fair food and it's simply an unforgettable experience.

Opening day ceremonies are set for 5 p.m. Thursday on the Performing Arts Stage. Gates open at 3 p.m. on both Thursdays, both Fridays, Monday and Wednesday; at 9 a.m. on both Saturdays; at 10 a.m. on Sunday; and at 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Gates close at 11 each night. Admission is $7 for adults and $2 for children age 6-12. Under 6 years old are admitted free. Free gate admission is available to everyone over age 65 with proper identification.

Carload Special is offered for groups on opening day. That day only, there will be a "one-price" gate special of $50 for up to six people. This price includes gate admission and unlimited carnival rides until closing. There is an Earlybird Special on Saturdays, Sept. 27, and Oct. 4; everyone is eligible for $2 admission between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. on those days.

Tuesday, Sept. 30, is Senior Citizen Day. Gates open at 11 a.m. and there is a special program for seniors at Weathers Arena at noon that day. Kids Days are Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 1, and 2; school groups can come beginning at 9 a.m on these days for special children's programming.

Monday, Sept. 29, through Thursday, Oct. 2, are fair school days. All Cleveland County school children are given a gate pass valid for these days and also on fair school days, rides will be reduced by one ticket per ride from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m.

In addition to the opening night carload special, there are three other special ride days, called armband days, during the fair. On Saturdays, armbands can be purchased from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; they are valid for rides until 4 p.m. On Sunday, armbands can be purchased from noon until 5:30 p.m. and will be valid until 7 p.m. The price of the armband is $16 and it replaces the need for individual ride tickets during the times it is in effect. Individual rides require three or more tickets. Regular ticket prices for rides are $11 per sheet of 10 tickets, $21 per sheet of 22 tickets, $51 per sheet of 60 tickets, or $1.25 per ticket if purchased individually.

This year the fair continues the tradition of having a Sunday worship service Sunday at 11 a.m. in Weathers Arena. An admission special is available to churchgoers on that day; anyone bringing a church bulletin dated Sunday, Sept. 28, will be admitted free before 2:30 p.m.

Located at 1751 E. Marion St., (Hwy. 74 business), North Carolina's largest county fair is filled with wholesome, quality entertainment. So hitch up the ole' wagon and go!