For the News-Tribune
FORT ASHBY, W.Va. — A week packed with entertainment for all ages is set for this year’s 61st annual Mineral County Fair, which kicks off Monday, July 26, at the fairgrounds in Fort Ashby.
Opening night will feature free admission and the Mineral County Fair Queen Pageant at 7 p.m.
Contestants representing Frankfort High School include Karalee College, Brittany Hanlin, Kara Myers and Jessica Wharton. Keyser High School contestants are Ashley Luther and Ashlyn Parrish.
Gambill Amusements rides open Tuesday, July 27, as the cowboys roll into town for Dave Martin’s Bull Ride at the grandstand beginning at 7 p.m.
Along with the qualification go round and championship go round of bull riding, the show features clown acts, specialty acts and girl’s barrel racing. Area children also may enter the ring with a sheep riding contest for those 6 and younger, a calf scramble for 7 through 12 year olds and a stick horse race for children 6 and younger and 7 through 12. All children’s events are free.
Frankfort Middle School’s renowned Teal Steel band will perform two shows at 7 and 9 p.m.
On Wednesday, July 28, the Demolition Derby fires up at the grandstand, with stage entertainment featuring the twin-brother act, Spittin’ Image.
Spittin’ Image twins Brian and Blain Swabb of Greenville, Ohio, have performed from New York to Iowa. The duo plays music from country to classic rock.
The ATV Pull is back by popular demand on Thursday, July 29, at the grandstand and the Takoma Park band will play two shows at 7 and 9 p.m.
The Four-Wheel Drive Mud Bog takes to the pit at the grandstand on Friday, July 30, and Saturday, July 31.
The South of the River Band will perform on the midway stage on Friday at 7 and 9 p.m. and Morgantown-based Rick K. and the Allnighters will round out fair week with a variety of oldies, rock, pop and country on Saturday.
Mark Preston’s Comedy Safari will be featured in the midway area for several nightly performances during the week.
Mineral County 4-H and FFA students also play big roles in the fair each year. On Thursday, a Junior Livestock Show is set for 6 p.m. The 4-H Horse and Pony Show is planned at 11 a.m. Friday and will be held in the ring on the state Route 28 side of the fairgrounds. The Ag Field Day begins Friday at 6 p.m.
The week concludes with the Livestock Sale on Saturday at 6 p.m.
Mineral County Community Outreach Service (CEOS) clubs will be giving demonstrations each evening in the main exhibit building.
The grand feature parade will line up beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday on Dan’s Run Road. The parade start is set for 4 p.m.
Advance sale season tickets will again be offered and provide a substantial savings on the nightly gate fee. Tickets can be purchased for $30 prior to 5 p.m. on Monday, July 26, at the Mineral County Extension Office, Keyser; M&T Bank, Fort Ashby; FNB Bank, Fort Ashby; BB&T Bank, Fort Ashby; and the Mineral County Fair Office.
Gates open each evening at 6 p.m. with Saturday’s opening set at 5 p.m. A pay-one-price fee of $10 includes gate admission, parking, all rides and stage and track entertainment. Fairgoers 62 and older will be admitted each night for $5.
This year’s fair grand drawing takes place on Saturday at 11 p.m. Tickets are available from any member of the Fort Ashby Volunteer Fire Company and at the grand drawing booth.
For additional information or to reserve commercial space in the exhibit building or participate in the parade or ATV Pulls, contact the fair office at (304) 298-3712.
For information on the Destruction Derby or Mud Bog, call Jack Fullerton Productions at 814-634-0916.
Contestants for bull riding and barrel racing must pre-register by calling 717-334-7724 at least a week in advance.
Members of the fair board are Todd Middleton, chairman; Scott Turley, assistant chairman; Melissa Turley, secretary; Helen Cheshire, treasurer; and Matt Bachelor, John Dodrill and Bill Bradfield, directors.
The Fort Ashby Volunteer Fire Company sponsors the fair.
