Volunteers, businesses come together to support Butler County Fair

A petting zoo, like this one at a past Butler County Fair, are on tap for this year's event.

DAR file photo

Despite a struggle for manpower and financial support, the Butler County Fair at Ray Clinton Park maintains a presence this year.

Organizer Jerrica Fox, 31, of Poplar Bluff, says with just a six-member board of directors and very few volunteers, the fair is on tap Sept. 30-Oct.1 at Ray Clinton Park.

“We really started this year with next to nothing to work with,” Fox told the Daily American Republic. “We had to ask ourselves, ‘How do we do this?’

“The fair never had a platinum sponsor,” she added, “Ben Clark of Silverline Trailers is opening a new venture here, Black River Outdoors. He really saved the fair in essence by donating roughly 25% of our total budget.”

This year, the two-day event features a rodeo Friday, Sept. 30, by Chalk Bluff Rodeo Co., and a truck and tractor pull Saturday, Oct. 1, by USA Pullers.

“We’ll have food trucks and an assortment of vendors,” Fox said. “Friday (Sept. 30) is Discount Night, too.

“Just $5 buys a ticket,” the organizer added. “That’s half off regular price. There’s no charge for children ages six and younger.”

Those who wish to register to compete in the rodeo are asked to contact Chalk Bluff Rodeo Co., at 573-624-2830, Fox noted.

Gates open at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, and the day’s fun might last well into the night, Fox remarked.

“Cooler weather typically brings in more people,” Fox said. “USA Pullers start at 7 and could last as late as midnight.”

Saturday, Oct. 1, is Family Fun Day at the park.

A beauty pageant is slated for the week before, to begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Holiday Inn of Poplar Bluff ballroom, pageant Director Jill Worley said.

“The beauty pageant is open to entrants from all towns and counties,” Worley said. “We don’t restrict entrants to be from Butler County only.

“It’s a fun time for everyone,” she added. “And we have lots of age groups included.”

Girls’ groups are babies, 0-12 months; 13-24 months; 2-3 years; 4-5 years; 6-7 years; 8-9 years; 10-12 years; 13-14 years; 15-18 years; and 19-26 years, Worley said.

Boys’ groups are 0-23 months; 2-4 years; and 5-10 years, she noted.

Pageant attire is autumn casual for girls 0-7 years, and Sunday best to formal for girls 8 years and older, the director added.

Boys’ attire is casual, Worley said.

Pageant entry fee is $80 per contestant, with a $5 spectator fee, she continued.

“No experience is needed to compete,” Worley said.

Registration is available by email at pbpageants@hotmail.com.

Late registration is available by text or phone at 573-718-8448, the director said.

A new event is announced for Saturday, Oct. 1, Fox said.

“This year, we are asking everyone who owns an antique tractor to bring it out Saturday afternoon beginning at 4 p.m. in memory of Melvin Lewis,” she said. “He was an avid antique tractor collector and Butler County resident.

“We want to fill the fairgrounds with tractors in Melvin Lewis’ memory.”

Gates open at 4 p.m. Saturday, Fox said.

“Bo and the No Shows, a party band from Poplar Bluff perform from 5-7 p.m.,” Fox explained. “Mizzells Auto Sales provides us with a fantastic Kids Zone.

“Bounce house is free,” she added. “And we’ll have games like a scramble, face painting and a petting zoo where kids can feed the animals for just a dollar. With food trucks like Teresita’s Street Foods, Smoke Show Barbecue, Exotic Grill, Green Oasis Shaved Ice and the Kitchen On Wheels, there’ll be something for everyone. Haffy’s Sports Bar and Grill sells adult beverages at the biergarten.”

The Kids Zone is open from 4 p.m. to dark. Tickets for Saturday, Oct. 1, are $10 with no charge for children ages six and younger.

“I’m so very proud of what we accomplished with this small board of directors,” Fox emphasized. “We wanted to continue the tradition, no matter how small or large.”

Fox says she accepts vendors until Sept. 27 and urges anyone who wishes to participate in the fair to contact her by email at butlercountyfair1958@gmail.com for applications.

Also, new to the fair is an open invitation for amateur buskers to perform from 4-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. Bring your instruments and play for tips and bragging rights, Fox said.

Further information is available on the fair’s Facebook page, Butler County Fair.

**This story has been updated to clarify and correct dates of events.