Written by Hayley Kate Webb
The White County Fair returned on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. This year’s events kicked off with an opening fair parade Saturday in Downtown Searcy. The parade was followed by five days of fair festivities beginning Sunday, Sept. 12. The fairground events included livestock shows, the 4-H Pullet auction, various genres of live entertainment performed by area musicians, roller coaster rides, a petting zoo, camel rides and a youth rodeo.
“The fair is back in full force this year,” White County cooperative extension service 4-H agent Jan Yingling said. “The White County community and I could not be any more excited.”
In 2020, the White County Fair was called off for the first time in more than 80 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The absence of the 2020 White County Fair was a disappointment to those who prepare for the event every year. Stephanie Wortham, mother to three boys who compete yearly in the livestock competitions, said that her boys were devastated when they didn’t get to showcase their hard work at last year’s fair.
“It’s a lot of time and dedication,” Wortham said. “They spend time feeding their cows, walking them,\ and even giving them baths. It is a big responsibility, and the fair gives them a chance to show how hard they have worked to prepare.”
Harding University graduate student and longtime White County Fair participant Carissa Caples said the return of the White County Fair is important because it provides a unique opportunity for children and families to join together and experience their local community.
“The fair showcases the best of White County agriculture and recognizes those of our community who excel,” Caples said. “It’s a way the community can come together to recognize and celebrate each other. It’s very special to White County.”
There is still time to experience the festivities at the fairgrounds today and tomorrow. The fair will be open to the public today from 4-8:30 p.m. Cost of admission is $6 for children and $8 for adults. Today’s events will include the presentation of livestock awards, motorsports autocross events and the first ever Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo. The gates will open tomorrow at 9 a.m. Tomorrow’s featured attractions will be the demolition derby, which will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the continuation of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo. The 2021 White County Fair will conclude tomorrow at 8:30 p.m. The full schedule of events can be found on the White County Fair website.
