Local dignitaries and family members of the late Harold Payne will be gathering in the shadow of “The Fair Boss” this evening, for the ribbon cutting which signals the start of the 2014 Hunt County Fair.
The ribbon cutting is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the gates of the Fairgrounds, 9800 Jack Finney Boulevard in Greenville. The 2014 Hunt County Fair and Livestock Show, presented by Innovation First International, continues through May 4.
The ribbon cutting is being held in honor of Payne, who passed away in December. Payne had served on the Hunt County Fair board since its creation 1967, helped jumpstart the fair with financing, and was also responsible for bringing “The Fair Boss,” the Hunt County Fair’s mascot, to Greenville.
Payne was said to have purchased The Fair Boss about six or seven years after the Fair began. Hereford cattle were the predominant cattle in the south and southwest at the time and Payne’s father also raised Hereford cattle. Payne donated it to the Hunt County Fair Association.
The Fair Boss is featured on all of the material publicizing the Fair, while his likeness is prominently displayed throughout the Fairgrounds.
The gates, exhibit buildings and midway will open following the ribbon cutting. Sign ups for the ‘no horses allowed” Kids Rodeo starts at 5 p.m., with the Kids Rodeo scheduled for 6 p.m., followed by Kids Mutton Bustin’ at 8 p.m.
The first night of the Lone Star Garden Tractor Pull is set from 6 until 10 p.m.;, with live music from the Cody Bryan Band and Reckless Kelly scheduled starting at 7:30 p.m. tonight.
The 2014 Hunt County Fair carries the theme of “Building New Traditions for a Brilliant Future.” Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for kids. All week passes are $30 for adults and $20 for kids.
The midway is sponsored by Cavender’s and will include carnival rides provided by Happy World. There will be armband specials each night of the Fair.
There will be a Kids Zone sponsored by Southwest Auto Mall which will include activities like Kids Pedal Car Tractor Pulls, Swifty Swine Pig Races and the Texan’s Petting Zoo.
Additional information about this year’s Fair is available by calling 903-454-1503 or on the web site at www.huntcountyfair.net.