Gallatin County Fair and Popcorn Day schedule

The Gallatin County Fair begins Thursday with the bringing of livestock to the Gallatin County Fairground and ends with the performance of Tim Ash 8:45 p.m. Saturday.

The combined events - it can be tricky figuring out where the fair ends and Popcorn Day begins - mark an annual eight-day celebration of Ridgway's motto of Popcorn Capital of the World.

This year's theme is "Poppin' Thru the Decades." As always, there will be free popcorn the nights of Sept. 11, Sept. 12 and all day Sept. 13. The Giant Parade is 1 p.m. Sept. 13

Thursday, Sept. 4

5 p.m. - All swine, beef and sheep must be on the fairgrounds. Call Jim Richey 618-841-4191.

Friday, Sept. 5

7 p.m. - 4 Wheeler Barrel Race and Mud Drags. Gates open at 5 p.m. Call Jimmy Bourland at 618-499-2348.

Saturday, Sept. 6

7 p.m. - The Gallatin County Fair presents C-Bar Rodeo Co. Contact 618-349-8756. Gates open at 6 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 7

10 a.m. - Jr. Swine, Beef and Sheep Shows.

10:30 a.m. - Western horse show at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds. Call Ryan Smith 618-926-3518.

5 p.m. - Swine, Beef and Sheep Released

Wednesday, Sept. 10

4 p.m. - Arts & Crafts registration. (St. Joseph Catholic Gym)

6 p.m. - Baby Photo Contest Followed by Little Mr. & Miss Gallatin Co. Fair Contest Downtown. (Gallatin County only) Bobbi Catiller

6:30 p.m. - Kiddie Tractor Pull-Downtown (Tractor and Sled Furnished). Prizes awarded. (272-8971)

7 p.m. - Little Lassie Contest Followed by Junior Princess & Junior Miss Contests (Gallatin County Only) Bobbi Catiller

Thursday, Sept. 11

Noon to 4 p.m. - Arts & Crafts registration. Annette Jones, 272-7032

5 p.m. - Arts & Crafts Judging

5 p.m. - Kids Korner & Craft Tents Open

5:30 p.m. - Arm Band Night at Carnival ($12)

7 p.m. - Gospel Night - Sponsored by 1st Baptist Church, Ridgway - Dixie Melody Boys. (Rain location at Ridgway Fire Dept.)

Friday, Sept. 12

1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - Culinary show registration. Opal Naas 272-7655

4 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Arts & Crafts Open to Public

5 p.m. - Kids Korner & Craft Tents Open

5 p.m. - Arm Band Night at Carnival ($12)

7 p.m. - Culinary Judging

7 p.m. - Gallatin County Fair Mud Racing (Gates Open at 5 p.m. Driver's meeting at 6:30 p.m.) Jimmy Bourland 618-499-2348

6:30 p.m. - 5K Run/Walk - Allison Sisk 618-518-0097

7 p.m. - Beauty Queen Contest. Beth Wargel 618-926-9493. (Downtown)

Saturday, Sept. 13

9 a.m. - Arts & Crafts and Culinary Open To Public

9:30 a.m. - Kiddie Parade. 618-272-8971

10 a.m. - Carnival Opens (Armbands Good Til Closing; $12)

10 a.m. - Kids Korner & Craft Tents Open

10 a.m. - Frog Jumping, Popcorn Eating, and Bubble Gum Blowing Contests. Foster Family 618-922-9789

12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m. - Arts & Crafts and Culinary Closed

1 p.m. - Giant Parade Paula Thompson, 214-601-1908

2:30 p.m. - Grandview Junction (Bluegrass)

3:45 p.m. - The Duke Boys

5 p.m. - Demolition Derby (Chad Bandy 618-926-0961)

7 p.m. - Boscoe France (Blues Guitarist)

8:45 p.m. - Tim Ash (Country)

Sunday, Sept. 15

Rain date for any local event rained out.