HAMLET — As the county starts to dry out after two weeks of rain, residents should be able to partake in some traditional fun — the county fair.

Despite the gloomy weather leading up to the event, Rena Shedrick-Marshall is optimistic.

“I think this is going to be one of the best ones we’ve had, if we can just get a dry day,” she said Friday. “We’re just waiting right now for this rain to calm down.”

The ground will have to be fairly dry before the carnival rides and attractions can be set up, she said.

This isn’t the first time weather has put a damper on things, she explained, adding, “It seems to work out each year.”

When the gates open at 2 p.m. Tuesday for the 58th annual Richmond County Agricultural Fair — presented by the Hamlet Lions Club — there will be a few changes: a lack of birds and a small hike in admission.

This summer, state officials banned the public showing of all live birds until January in anticipation of an outbreak of a strain of avian influenza. However, the fair will still feature other livestock.

The N.C. Department of Revenue is also requiring agricultural fairs to start collecting taxes on admission, which raised the admission price to $5.

To help offset the cost, Shedrick-Marshall said students will receive free tickets.

“We know that in some cases, the parents don’t have enough money to bring their kids to the fair,” she said.

There will also be a drawing for two children’s bicycles — one for a boy, one for a girl.

“The parents are just as crazy about it as the kids are,” she said.

Fair food will be provided by local restaurants and nonprofit groups, including Papa John’s Pizza, Peking Wok and AMVETS.

Shedrick-Marshall said volunteers will be walking around, making sure to keep the grounds and facilities clean and clear and security will be provided by the Hamlet Police Department.

“We really watch those kids so they don’t get in any type of trouble,” she said.

The fair is still taking submissions for the display contests —which will be awarded first, second and third place — and for vendors to set up booths.

There is no cost to enter items for judging, she said. Vendor booths are $125 for the week, which runs through Saturday. The deadline for contest entries and booth fees is Tuesday.

The fair is an annual fundraiser for the Hamlet Lions Club, which uses the proceeds to help provide vision screenings and eyeglasses to the community.

Money raised by the club also goes to help send the visually impaired to the V.I.P Fishing Tournament — an annual October event that draws more than 500 blind and visually impaired North Carolinians from 77 counties to the Outer Banks — and to Camp Dogwood, located on Lake Norman.

This past summer, the Hamlet Lions Club sent six people to Camp Dogwood, four from Richmond County and two from Scotland County.

For more information about the fair or the Hamlet Lions Club, contact Rena Shedrick-Marshall at 910-206-0550.

Reach reporter William R. Toler at 910-817-2675 and follow him on Twitter @William_r_Toler.

Daily Journal file photo The 58th annual Richmond County Agricultural fair will start Tuesday and run through Saturday. Admission is $5.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_carousel_cmyk.jpgDaily Journal file photo The 58th annual Richmond County Agricultural fair will start Tuesday and run through Saturday. Admission is $5.

By William R. Toler

[email protected]

WANT TO GO?

58th annual Richmond County Agricultural Fair

Oct. 6-10

Tuesday-Friday: 4-9 p.m.

Saturday: 2-10 p.m.

Admission: $5