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It's festival week in Gallatin County

Southeast Illinois' end of summer tradition, the Gallatin County Fair, kicks into high gear starting Thursday, and then things really start popping (sorry) on Saturday for the 58th annual Ridgway Popcorn Day. The festivities are all faily-friendly and all entertainment is free (except the carnival rides). For details, check the Ridgway Popcorn Day Facebook page.

<b>Thursday, Sept. 8</b>

5 p.m. Carnival open (armband night, $20)

5 p.m. Kids Corner & Crafts open

5 p.m. Little Miss & Mister Pageant; Little Lassie & Junior Miss Pageant; Queen Contest to immediately follow.

7 p.m. Little Kiddie Tractor Pull, sponsored by Gallatin County FFA

7 p.m. Gospel Night, at the fire station. Bring lawn chairs.

<b>Friday, Sept. 9</b>

5 p.m. Carnival open (armbands $20)

5 p.m. Kids Corner & Crafts open

6 p.m. 5K race at St. Joseph Field

6-8 p.m. Shades of Grey, on main stage

8:30-10:30 p.m. Just Dudes Being Guys, on main stage

<b>Saturday, Sept. 10<.b>

9:30 a.m.-dusk. Helicopter rides at St. Joseph Field

9:30 p.m. Kiddie Parade

10 a.m. Kids Corner & Crafts open

10 a.m. Contests - frog jumping, popcorn eating and bubble gum blowing

10:30 a.m. Cake Walk

11 a.m.-10 p.m. Carnival open (armbands $20)

1 p.m. Popcorn Day parade

On main stage after parade: Olivia Rubright.

4 p.m. Parade awards, on main stage

5 p.m. Western Horse show, at the fairgrounds

7-8:45 p.m. Blackford Creek, on main stage

9-11:30 p.m. Tailgate Revival, on main stage

<b>Sunday, Sept. 11</b>

Western Horse Show at fairgrounds. Trainers at noon, and Western Show immediately follows.

A Ridgway fire engine leads off a previous year's Popcorn Day parade. Gallatin Democrat file photo
The 2021 Gallatin County Fair royalty is Queen Bailey Respondek, center; at left, Paisley Chappell, the 2021 Gallatin County Fair Miss Ambassador; at right is Jalyn Ellison, the 2021 Miss Congeniality. This year's pageant is Thursday evening. Gallatin Democrat file photo
The band Tailgate Revival, from southwest Indiana, will play their brand of high-energy country music on the main stage Saturday night, starting at 9 p.m. Courtesy of Tailgate Revival Facebook page