A Fair Time Had By All
By Melissa Blackburn
Lawrence County Fair 2025 out grew its self this year with the most livestock entries, an impressive horse show, the most cultural arts exhibits, lots of horses, barrel racers and bull riders. An impressive $15,000 livestock sale earning just short of $5,000 in scholarship money for 4-H and FFA students. From Mutton Busting to Greasy Pig the reports on fair entertainment was fantastic.
The fair opened on Thursday July 24, with opening ceremonies by Judge Phil Carter, Mayor Harold Slone, and the Lawrence County VFW raised the flag and honored with a 21-gun salute. Abby Nelson sang the National Anthem. The livestock arena was ready to host over 25 head of sheep, 14 swine, 7 cattle, and 10 goats. Daniel Howard, Martin County agent, judged the livestock and exhibitors ability to control these animals. Cowboy Church got under way with Will Arvin opening for Michael Marcum, special singers Living Waters and Yellow Creek Country Pickers. The music and message was touching to all. The fair board is thankful for all the vendors that set up and sold delicious products to the fair goers. Friday was the longest day of the fair with the horseshow and its many entries lasting into Saturday morning. There were over 18 entries in some classes. Judge Donnie Oppenhiemer had some very difficult decisions in some classes with high quality horses of all divisions. In the livestock arena, chickens, and rabbits were being exhibited. The most versatile of all species shown. Judge Ethan Pugh spoke to the exhibitors placed the classes and gave advise on how to improve their animals for future exhibitions.
Saturday morning started early with the Car, Tractor and Cycle show. The Cornhole tournament moved indoors to the Louisa Middle School. We appreciate our cooperation with the Lawrence County Board of Education and their willingness to let us host events at various venues the school has to offer. The livestock auction brought record sales again this year with Wyatt Branham’s 700 lb. heifer bringing in $1800 purchased by Wes Vanhorn. Over $15,000 was raised between sales and scholarships to Lawrence County youth 4-H and FFA members. The greasy pig contest was a hit as usual with 3 different age divisions. The outhouse race was won by the crew of the Rough E Rodeo Company with the Lady Soccer Dawgs coming in a very close second. The third-place team was the Fast Flushers made up of Amity Vance, Sam Spradlin, Paige Spradlin and Lacey Spears. Tractor Pull with the Outlaw Pulling Club started off with Judge Phil Carter making a full pull as they competed for money, trophies and titles.
Then the main event started with music by Chuck Robertson Project. Molly Compton sang the national anthem to open the Rough E Rodeo Company Bulls, Broncs, and Barrels. The rodeo featured 24 bull races, 20 barrel-racers, and 8 Bronc riders. The rodeo hosted funnyman of the year Craig Miller, and trick rider Courtney Jean, as well as, WB Mutton Bustin’, by Wyatt Branham and Trick Roper, Kole Minor. The rodeo was filled with good rides, bad rides, entertainment extreme, and great food provided by the vendors. Lawrence County Fair Board would like to thank everyone for coming out and enjoying the fair. We invite you to come out next year and if you or your business would like to be a sponsor, let us know. THANK YOU LAWRENCE COUNTY!