Not Just Corn Dogs & Carnivals Why the Boyd County Fair Is the Event of the Year

Not Just Corn Dogs & Carnivals

Why the Boyd County Fair Is the Event of the Year

Grace Phillips

The Ashland Beacon

Since 1991, the Boyd County Fair has been a constant in the area. The fair had humble beginnings but has consistently grown thanks to board members who have worked tirelessly through the years to make it a family event for generations to enjoy. This year, the fair will run from Aug. 12 through Aug. 16, with pre-fair events on Aug. 8 and Aug. 9.

Fair president Ellen Keaton tells us, “The Boyd County Fair is not just a carnival…that is just one small part of the fair. We strive to have something for everyone during fair week…music, motorsports, pageants, wrestling, horse shows, a rodeo, and exhibits. There is an event in each part of the fairgrounds every night.”

The fair will kick off with an exciting weekend of pre-fair events on Aug. 8 to Aug. 9. On Aug. 8, there will be a fun Quarter Auction where you can take home great items for as little as 25 cents! Horse shows are scheduled for both nights, and Saturday night will feature the first of two Motocross events. Saturday will also include the Children’s Pageants and the Miss Boyd County Fair Pageants. (Note: There will be no carnival on the pre-fair weekend.)

The official start of the fair is Tuesday, Aug. 12, and it comes with a brand-new event: KOI Drag Racing will roar onto the fairgrounds with classes for ATVs, bikes, side-by-sides, and trucks. If you prefer something a little more relaxed, check out the Guyan River Cloggers or Sounds by Ruck Karaoke in the main fair building.

Family Night is Wednesday! Keaton says it’s going to be a fantastic evening: “Admission to the fair is only $20 per car, up to a maximum of seven people. Everyone must be in a seatbelt. The $20 gives everyone in the car a ticket for rides as well as access to all the other activities we have planned. We have a Mullet Contest, a Chicken Barrel Racing Contest, Games and Giggles with Haley and Lee, a Glow Dance Party, and you can finish the evening with a showing of Harold & the Purple Crayon at dusk in the livestock area.”

This year’s musical entertainment features Bluegrass, Southern Gospel, an Elvis tribute performance, and—brand new this year—a Praise Team Expo.

It all begins Thursday night with Bluegrass. Hammertowne returns to the fair this year with a single that’s receiving tremendous response. Their music has one foot in the traditional sound and the other in progressive style. Also performing is Lonesome Express.

For 50 years, Reagan Riddle was a driving force behind the Primitive Quartet. After their retirement, Reagan desired to continue singing and sharing the gospel. Hominy Valley Legacy is the result of that new beginning, with Brandon Cairns and Scott James joining Reagan to carry on the legacy. Also performing is the legendary Perry Sisters, the first all-female trio in Southern Gospel. Diana Perry Gillette has written many of their songs, and the group has received numerous awards over the years.

The fair will provide interpreting services for the deaf and hard of hearing during the concert on Friday night. Handicap parking will be available each night by request.

Lee Dean as Elvis and Johnny Cash will perform on Saturday, Aug. 16, and the musical entertainment will close out with the new Praise Team Expo, featuring music from local church praise teams. All concerts will be held inside the air-conditioned building.

The Auto Cross, a new event in 2024, is back again on Thursday, Aug. 14. Keaton describes it best: “Imagine that motocross married a demolition derby. It’s non-stop thrills.”

One of the most requested events of the fair is the Demolition Derby. It takes place on Friday, Aug. 15. Cars will begin rolling in and filling the pit area early. Everyone is encouraged to arrive early to get through the gates before the derby begins at 8 p.m. Information on registration, rules, classes, and payouts can be found at boydcountyfair.net.

A second night of Motocross will wrap up the motorsports events this year. Tri-State MX is the promoter, and class info is available on the fair’s website.

A special attraction for Friday and Saturday night is the Queen City Stunt Circus, which will perform five shows over two days. Expect thrills, chills, and unforgettable high-flying stunts in front of the Expo Building.

There are several horse shows planned throughout the week, including a speed show, an alumni show, and new this year: the Farmhand Olympics! The Livestock Club has also been working hard to prepare their animals for exhibition. Showbills and horse show details are posted at boydcountyfair.net.

The Boyd County Fair is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is 100% volunteer based.  Brenda Phelps shared one of the fair’s biggest challenges: “To put on a fair of this size, it takes so many people. We struggle each year to have enough volunteers in place to make the fair flow smoothly.” Christy Utley, who has been with the fair for eight years, added, “It’s a crazy week, and everyone is tired at the end of the day, but it is also very rewarding to see all the smiling faces and a successful event.” If you’re interested in volunteering for a day—or the whole week—call the fair at 606.585.0514.

“We want to be sure to thank all our business sponsors for their support. We spend about $40,000 on events and entertainment for the fair. We couldn’t do any of it without these sponsors. You can find them on our Facebook page and website,” Keaton explains.

Stay updated by visiting boydcountyfair.netor following the Boyd County Fair on Facebook. For specific questions or information, contact Ellen Keaton at 606.922.6622.