The 2017 Butler County Fair kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday with a parade through Downtown Poplar Bluff featuring Poplar Bluff High School's Football Homecoming Court and a Pet Parade to benefit the Downtown Dog Park.
Jack Altman, president of the Butler County Fair Board, said this year's events will see a heavier focus on students.
"I'm really proud of these kids and how they work with these animals," Altman said. "They deserve some recognition in the community."
Altman said there have been improvements to the fair based on feedback from last year, including the addition of a shuttle service to carry folks to and from the Black River Coliseum parking lot and consolidation of events to Ray Clinton Park, including the carnival. The shuttle service will be available at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30.
"It's mostly still the same, but we're always trying to add things people like," Altman said.
The parade is a stand-alone event, with fair festivities continuing at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, and lasting through the weekend, when the Butler County Fair partners with the 8th Annual Iron Horse Festival on Sept. 30. A rundown of Iron Horse events will be featured next week in the Daily American Republic.
Members of the 2017 Football Homecoming Court are new to the parade. Appearing on the Mules' float will be Kaylee Harris, Logan Bell, Sydney Knapp, Rashawn McCain, Ashlee Lazalier, Brett Barousse, Kylee Tanksley, Cameron Jones, Hannah Vaughn and Tyson Cox.
The Pet Parade is another new addition, with all proceeds benefiting the Downtown Dog Park. Altman said anyone who would like to enter a pet can sign up from 8:30 - 9 a.m. in front of the Eagles Lodge No. 3730, located at 1440 S. Broadway St.
"Bring 'em out and show 'em off in the parade," Altman said.
There is a $10 entry fee and all participating animals must register and be current on vaccinations prior to entering the parade. They also must remain on a leash at all times. Altman said there will be categories for small, medium and large pets and first and second place prizes will be awarded in each category.
Fair events continue at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, with the opening of vendor and commercial exhibits, the carnival, the goat and lamb show, the petting zoo and monster truck rides. Named "The Coyote Hunter," the monster truck will be available Thursday through Saturday, Altman said.
At 6 p.m., 4-H and Future Farmers of America animals will be in the big tent and the rabbit and chicken show will begin. Barrel racing by the Chalk Bluff Rodeo starts at 7 p.m. and Altman said admission to the event is either $1 or one canned good per person, with proceeds benefiting a local charity.
"It's a way the fair board can give back," he said.
Friday's events begin at 5 p.m. with the carnival, the opening of the 4-H and FFA animal barn and vendor and commercial exhibits, the 4-H and FFA animal auction at the big tent, a horse shoeing demonstration, and monster truck rides. At 6 p.m. the BBQ competition starts. At 7 p.m. is the tractor pull and at 8 p.m. is the Chalk Bluff Rodeo.
Saturday's events kick-off at 10 a.m. with a beauty pageant at the Black River Coliseum. BBQ judging will start at 11 a.m., as will logging demonstrations by the Three Rivers College Forestry Club. Altman said Saturday's events are centered around the theme "Back to Our Roots," and will focus on the logging history "that built Butler County."
The 4-H and FFA barn opens at noon, follow by a 3 p.m. start of monster trucks rides, the carnival and a flint knapping demonstration. Evening events include a 6 p.m. Kids Power Wheel Demo Derby at the rodeo arena, followed by the Demolition Derby at 7 p.m. Prior to the derby, musical guest Leeza Edmundson will perform and, continuing a popular event from last year, a First Responder Demo Derby will be held in conjunction.
"The First Responder Derby is something Sheriff Dobbs helped us start last year and it was greatly enjoyed," Altman said. "We decided to continue on with it this year."
For more information on the Butler County Fair, including participation and entry information, contact Altman at 573-718-0588 or visit butlerfair.org.
"It's good family entertainment," he said. "This is something that happens once a year, so come out and enjoy yourself."