After facing cancellation this year, Butler County Fair drew competitors, families and visitors to Ray Clinton Park on Friday and Saturday for a variety of events. Chalk Bluff Rodeo helped kick things off Friday night a variety of activities in the arena, including barrel racing and bull riding. Saturday offered an antique tractor show in memory of Melvin Lewis, live music, food trucks and a truck and tractor pull from USA Pullers.
This year’s events were organized by a small group of dedicated volunteers, according to members of the fair committee. They encourage the community to get involved in the planning of future events to help keep this tradition alive in Butler County.
“Without volunteerism and people helping out, we can’t go forward. It takes a community of people to build and keep events going,” longtime volunteer Jack Altman said of this year’s activities. The next meeting of the Butler County Fair Board will be 5:30 p.m. Oct. 19 in the Poplar Bluff Historic Train Depot, 400 S. Main St.
Interim fair board president Jerrica Fox offered a thank you Sunday via social media to the six-member board and their family members, who spearheaded this year’s activities.
“Thank you to our volunteers who helped work gates because you knew 6 board members couldn’t run it alone. Thank you to the board’s spouses and children who helped because you knew how important it was to each of us that we offered our county something. Last but certainly not least, thank you to the community members who did come out and enjoy what we could pull off. We truly appreciate you,” Fox said, encouraging residents to get involved with future planning efforts.
Six people can’t make the magic happen alone, she said.
“But a large group of like minded people can,” Fox shared. “It’s time our county gets a fair we all know we deserve.”