Come one, come all, come to the White County Fair

Students at Harding have frequently found themselves lost over the years trying to find things to do in Searcy without having to go too far. Searcy may have limited entertainment opportunities, but for one week in the fall, White County steps it up.
As the county seat, Searcy will host the annual White County Fair Sept. 9-14. People from all over the county can come together to enjoy events such as bull riding, the rodeo and the demolition derby. There are many things that fair regulars say are “must sees” and others you can skip right over.
Searcy native and junior Emma Williams has been participating in fair events like cooking competitions and showing animals for as long as she can remember. She officially started competing at age 5, entering a baked goods competition, as well as showing her cow, “Lily”.
“I stopped showing sheep and cows when I turned 15 but continued in baking competitions until I graduated high school,” Williams said. “My family is still very much involved in the state fair.”
The fair is a large scale event with lots of visitors from all over White County. Some visitors may get overwhelmed if they don’t know where to go or what to see.
“My advice would be to carpool to get there because parking can get expensive, and make sure to check the best nights to go — some nights have discounts for students,” Williams said. “The rides are super fun, but make sure you go through the barns and see the animals as well. Those kids have spent many long hours working on those projects and animals.”
Junior Jasie Mason, a student from Bald Knob, has been visiting the fair for as long as she can remember.
“If you are thinking of visiting the fair for the first time, make sure you go on armband night so you can ride all the rides as many times as you want,” Mason said. “If you have limited time I would definitely go on Saturday night and see the demolition derby, because it is just so fun.”
An armband night lets visitors buy an armband in exchange for unlimited rides and attractions. This year’s armband nights will be held Sept. 15-16 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sept. 19 from1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Junior Carissa Caples from Rose Bud, agreed that the rides and demolition derby are a fun, integral part of the fair, but she said the barns are where you see the true heart of the fair.
“Growing up, the fair was always the one week I looked forward to the most, and I have never missed a year since I began going,” said Caples. “I love the rides, but my favorite thing is walking through the barns and seeing the pure joy and pride on the faces of the young cowboys and cowgirls. I never get tired of it.”
Fair food is often talked about, not only in White County, but all over the country. Williams, Mason and Caples all agreed that the fair would not be the same if there weren’t funnel cakes available.
“Fair food is amazing, but take my advice — never eat fried Oreos, a funnel cake, fried chicken and french fries at the same time. Just don’t,” said Williams.
Going to the fair is a long-favored and beloved tradition for the people of White County. The fair will run Sept. 9-14.