By Morgan Bryce
Associate Editor
The advent of fall means that one of the area’s longest standing traditions is soon to return – the Lee County Fair.
Entering its 72nd year, this year’s fair will run from Oct. 2-6. Sponsored by the Opelika Exchange Club, it will feature events for people of all ages and interests.
Oct. 2, a Tuesday night, will be “Kid’s Day” at the fair, which grants adults and children free admission from 4-6 p.m. A grand opening ceremony will be held in-between at 5 p.m.
Highlights of the week include the Miss Lee County Fair Beauty Pageant on Tuesday and Wednesday, statewide goat show on Thursday, “Have All the Fun You Can Night” on Friday and big night of live music under the tent on Saturday.
Jim Sadler, president of the Lee County Fair Association and Opelika Exchange Club, said the event provides visitors glimpses of a simpler, more laid back time.
“What other venue do you have that you can provide competition and gather youth participation in something like this anymore? You don’t have many,” Sadler said in a previous interview with the Observer. “It’s all about youth and agriculture and making people aware that there are other things out there besides city life.”
Tickets for the event will cost $3 for adults, $2 for children 12-and-under and $1 for senior citizens and current/former military members. Armbands to access the rides will cost $20.
Fair gates will open at 4 p.m. Tuesday and Saturday, and at 6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, and will close after crowds leave.
For more information on fair activities and competitions, call the Lee County Extension Office at 334-749-3353 or visit their office located at 600 S. Seventh St.
The Lee County Fairgrounds are located at 2316 Lafayette Parkway.