By KAREN JONES CODY
The third annual Knott County Fair was a great success, and its growth indicates it is well on its way to becoming a major event for the area. Thousands attended the three-day event at the Sportsplex, which concluded Saturday night with an outstanding fireworks display.
The old-time county fair concept was brought back in Knott County in 2016 as a one-day fair, and was expanded last year to offer three days of entertainment. This year, several new additions attracted even more participants. The fair opened at 5 p.m. on Thursday, with lots of activity inside the Sportsplex and on the grounds.
Indoor activities provided a wonderful haven away from the heat. Arts and crafts were on display and available for purchase, and the county extension office had a beautiful arrangement of 4-H exhibits, artwork and projects, including winners of local competition that will be going on to the state fair in Louisville. Outside, a full carnival with 13 rides and the Torres Family Circus both began a successful three-day run.
Five food vendors made sure nobody was hungry throughout the weekend. The featured event for Thursday was competition from Appalachian Mountain Wrestling. On Friday evening, in addition to all the activities above, 42 cars participated in a Cruise-In, and burnouts were extremely popular. The first pig races were held, and the petting zoo opened. The crowd grew each day as those who attended told their friends and pictures of the fair were shared on social media.
Saturday, the fair was an all-day event, and even the extreme temperatures couldn’t keep people away. It began with a 5K run/walk sponsored by Subway. “This is a good example of everyone working together for a worthwhile cause,” explained Chris Amburgey, director of the Sportsplex and Tourism. “Subway sponsors this race, and all the proceeds go to our local Relay for Life chapter.” Also happening inside the Sportsplex were sports competitions such as basketball toss and softball throw.
Evening events included a patriotic First Responders parade, and musical entertainment. Christian bands Sheltered and Taking Up Crosses were onstage from 4 – 6 p.m. Around 7:30, carloads of people began arriving to pick their viewing spot for the fireworks. It was one gigantic picnic in the area between Hwy. 80 and the Sportsplex.
Those who made it to the fairgrounds enjoyed a free concert; Johnny Pop Day was the opening act, and Hassel Bryant performed until around 8:30, then Midlife Crisis brought a high-energy show leading up to the fireworks. MLC vocalist Carlen Dixon sang the national anthem at 10 p.m., and the fireworks began (with patriotic songs playing in the background). Hindman Volunteer Fire Department personnel worked hard to provide the perfect ending for the fair, and the beautiful bursts of color really made it feel like a celebration. The event had a great family atmosphere, and feedback has been very positive.
“People are saying it was the best one ever,” said Tourism Commission member Sylvia Ison, who works with Tourism’s Facebook page.
Chris Amburgey, said he was very pleased with this year’s fair. “We had lots of things that were a solid hit,” he said. “The carnival was just right. Families were able to enjoy it because they kept it so affordable. The circus was a lot of fun to watch. On Friday and Saturday, we had the petting zoo and pig races, sponsored by the Extension Office. Kids loved it. Tons of people thanked members of the Fair Board and Tourism for having this event. Our goal when we started three years ago was to make this an event that everyone in the county could enjoy and to have something for all ages at the fair, and I think it’s happening.We’re finding something for everyone, and we want to continue to grow and add new things.”
Grant funding has already been awarded to enhance the fairgrounds, and bids are currently being solicited for a quality performance area, Amburgey explained. “We were hoping to have the stage ready for this year’s fair, but inspectors had us change the design after an organization in Tennessee lost a stage roof to wind in a storm. Of course we want to be safe! We should have everything in place for next year; in fact, the stage may be completed as early as this fall.”
Amburgey said the plan is to have concerts and events in that space throughout the year.
Judge-Executive Zach Weinberg said, “We all need to thank the Hindman Volunteer Fire Department for an impressive and safe fireworks display, all the other fire departments and first responders that participated, the Extension Office, Tourism and all the volunteers who gave their time to put together a quality event.”
Judge Weinberg, Chris Amburgey and the Fair Board want to thank this year’s fair sponsors, whose generosity made it possible for so many people to enjoy a fun weekend of simple pleasures. Special thanks to the Knott County Fiscal Court, Knott County Tourism, the Bank of Hindman, Appalachian Wireless, TVS Cable, Kentucky Farm Bureau, Martin Law Offices and Hindman Settlement School.
Knott County’s next tourism event will also be held at the Sportsplex — the Fire on the Mountain barbecue competition is set for Saturday, July 28. This is a state championship event. In addition to the barbecue competition, there will also be an indoor flea market, arts and crafts, food vendors and more. Admission is FREE to the public, and setup for vendors is free as well. Contact Chris Amburgey for more information at 606-497-8865. (A youth baseball tournament will be in progress during the day; admission to the tournament will be charged at the fields.)
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