ALTENBURG — The East Perry Community Fair in Altenburg takes pride in its traditional continuance of a small-town country fair, but there will only be a few small changes to the fair program and schedule for the event which will be held on Friday, September 22, and Saturday, September 23.
The fair will open with a parade featuring several high school bands, floats, and other entries at 1:30 pm followed by the opening ceremony.
An additional musical performance has been added to the program on Friday afternoon at 4:00 pm when Dustin Bishop takes the stage. He will be followed by country western super group, The Burnt Mill Boys, at 7:00 pm.
The addition of local rising stars to the entertainment lineup last year was very popular. Ian Ferguson, Carlly Green, and Logan Chapman are returning and will be joined by Clint Sattler to provide the music for Saturday afternoon from Noon until 4:30 pm.
The final group to perform will be Randy Preston’s family band Generation on Saturday at 7:00 pm.
The starting time for the always popular “world championship” Mule Jumping Competition will be 3:30 pm on Saturday this year.
The age-old custom of awarding attendance prizes will return at 6:00 pm on Saturday after a brief absence. The 4X4 Truck Pull will take to the track at 7:00 pm on Friday and on Saturday the starting time has been moved forward to 6:00 pm for the Tractor Pull which will feature the Illinois Hot Farm Stock Pullers for their third appearance at the fair.
Most of the livestock judging and shows remain the same except for the 4-H and FFA Market Lamb and Goat Show which has been moved to 9:30 am on Friday to better meet the busy schedules of the youth that participate in this show.
After having Clay County Amusements provide the carnival rides for many years, there will be a change due to the retirement of the owner, Kent Brinkley.
The rides this year will be provided by Goldstar Amusements, which is a family owned and operated business with over six generations of history. They will be bringing around ten rides to Altenburg, including some real big rides, as they return to the south after spending the summer in Iowa, Minnesota, and the Dakotas.
Fairgoers can expect a great variety of fair food from its eighteen stands including Altenburg favorites like the grilled cheese sandwiches and pork burgers to newer additions like blooming onions, quesadillas, and smoked turkey legs.
The “Best Little Fair in the Land” is pleased to be able to continue free parking, free admission, and free entertainment, but reminds everyone that having a large crowd in a small town requires patience in dealing with traffic and parking issues.
Please follow the directions of the traffic staff and parking attendants who will only be on duty from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on both days. Arrive early to take in as much of the fair as possible before enjoying your favorite entertainment or event.
