UPDATED Aug. 8, 2012, to include related links.
ST. GEORGE – It promises to be a very patriotic red, white, and blue year at the Washington County Fair, to be held August 8-11 at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Hurricane.
The fairgrounds will be adorned with hundreds of American flags, attracts thousands of people and offers a full fair array of events, opportunities, entertainment, displays, the carnival of course, and more.
There are events that require admission tickets, and some of those are on sale now (details indicated in the sketches below).
Following are some highlights to whet your appetite for the fair:
Ribbon cutting
It will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony with the city mayors, princess royalties, Miss Washington County Fair, County Commissioners and Honorees.
Sinatra Forever Show
The Sinatra Forever show with Rick Michal and band, whose drummer played with Dean Martin, is flawless in delivering Frank Sinatra’s famous songs. Close your eyes and you will not be able to tell the difference between Rick and Frank!
Politics, Election Deciding Goat and Fair Debate
As 2012 is an election year, the Fair features politics: See its famous goat that will actually pick the president, located between the booths for the Republican and Democratic parties at the entrance to the Commercial Booths Building. KZNU’s Bryan Hyde and Kate Dalley of the Perspectives Morning Show will host a Fair Debate between local candidates right there on the stage Thursday evening at 6 p.m.
Spotlight City
Honoring its 150th birthday, the town of Rockville is our Spotlight City and the Grand Marshalls are Leon and Warda Lewis; the Pioneer Award goes to Bob and Mary Cox and all of the Town of Rockville.
Washington County Fair Royalty
Our Miss Washington County Fair Royalty consists of Queen Kelby Tyler, daughter of Mike and Vicki Tyler, Kelby receives a $2,000 scholarship; First Attendant Callen Crenshaw, daughter of Phil and Cinthanie Crenshaw, Callen receives a $500 scholarship; Second Attendant Jessica Baird, daughter of Scott and Janet Baird, Jessica receives a $500 scholarship.
Stingray Encounter
“Stingray Encounter,” is a new attraction this year and will be located on the lawn at the fair entrance, free to everyone to “See – Touch – Feed “ the stingrays, and learn about the stingrays, crabs, star fish, conch and sharks.
Kaleidoscope Park
The Kaleidoscope Park is an interactive exhibit presented every day on the lawn south of flag pole, with hands-on kaleidoscopes, teleidoscopes, wheel and oil wand kaleidoscopes. Build your own, purchase kits, put your face at the camera end of the Kaleidoscope television and your live kaleidoscopic image will be projected onto the television for everyone’s amazement. This is a unique experience never seen before in our area and shouldn’t be missed.
Thursday night Pre-Derby Stock Car Show
An innaugural pre-derby Stock Car-only show with a Mini Figure-8 Race and the ever popular “Van Jump” will be offered Thursday, Aug. 9, at 8 p.m. in the large outdoor arena. Cost is $5 per person and tickets are on sale now online..
Friday night “Little Texas” Concert
Country Rock band, “Little Texas” will be in concert Friday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. in the big outdoor arena. You might remember these top 10 hit songs, “God Blessed Texas,” “Some Guys Have All the Luck,” “You and Forever,” “What Might Have Been,” “Kick A Little,” “My Love,” “Life Goes On,” among others. The “Charley Jenkins Band” delivers this years pre-concert show on Thursday Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. Cost is $10 per person and tickets are on sale now online.
The Laser Light Show
The Laser Light Show on Friday, August 10, at 9:30 p.m. in the Large Outdoor Arena, is a mainstay of the Fair with full color lasers, fog and a huge laser screen. The show follows the “Little Texas” concert and there is no charge for admission to see the Laser Lights once the concert is over.
Boxing
The traditional boxing fights have been a favorite held at the fair since 1923. On Friday and Saturday nights, they will include a new Southern Utah Title fight, one each night, where the winner of each will receive a trophy and belt.
Demolition Derby
The most popular event is the Demolition Derby on Saturday night. This year’s derby promises a bigger and better derby ring, more cars and trucks, and contests in between, with fireworks at the conclusion of the show. The Derby is a sell-out show every year. Cost is $10 per person (children aged 5 and under are free) and tickets are on sale now online and at IFA and Play It Again Sports.
Car Giveaway
Painters Sun Country Mitsubishi will give away a car at the beginning of the Demolition Derby. Receive an entry form from the parking attendants. Twenty names will be drawn Saturday, Aug. 11 at 5 p.m. in the Indoor Arena Stage and those 20 winners will try their keys right before the Derby gets started.
Entertainment throughout the fair
Top notch entertainment will adorn the three stages at the fair.
Among Saturday offerings are a baby contest at noon, followed by the “Lokalgrown” musical group, and then hypnotist Kerry Sharp at 2:30 p.m.
The popular northern Utah group, “lokalgrown” will deliver a compelling and memorable performance including your favorite music from the Beatles, Coldplay, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, U2 and Michael Buble, to name just a few.
Sharp is a very entertaining hypnotist will dominate the stage on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. with an audience-interaction show full of comedy.
Free feature movies
Coral Cliffs Stadium 8 in Hurricane is offering three free movies for the fair, starting at 10 a.m. on Wed.-Fri., Aug. 8-10: “The Horse Soldiers,” “The Patriot,” and double feature “Ben and Me” and “American Tail.” Free tickets can be obtained at Maverik Country Stores, Stouts Home Furnishings and Ted & Allen’s Restaurant. And there are giveaways: The actual movies, prizes and food will be given away after the movies are screened.
Washington County Fair Staples
Carnival rides, animals, parade, Half-Marathon Relay, food booths, exhibits, shopping, Yellow Pix free pictures with Abe Lincoln, Baby Contest, Junior Rodeo, Arena Sporting events, Newlywed Game, Eating contests, and MORE make the Washington County Fair the traditional All-American capstone of Dixie’s summer.
Traditions and memories are made as family and friends attend the many attractions and events. The Washington County Fair website provides a complete listing of fair events, or pick up a “Fair Magazine” at your grocery store, many businesses or your city office.
Something for everyone is guaranteed! There is nothing that brings a county together like the fair!
For more on the Washington County Fair, visit these related articles:
Photo Gallery: Washington County Fair 2012
Behind the scenes at the Washington County Fair
For a full schedule of events visit the Washington County Fair website here.
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