“We still have a few spaces left,” Markwell said. “Probably about 20 out of more than 80 spaces ... everything is falling into place. We're just about ready.”

Businesses and organizations which wish to rent indoor booth space at the fair for $175 need to contact Nancy Howard at 353-4448, Markwell said.

Admission to the fair, which runs through Sept. 27, is $5 for adults and $3 for children between ages 6 and 12.

Markwell said the fair will feature many familiar attractions, as well a a few new twists, this year.

The event will once again feature a carnival midway, with rides provided by Crabtree Amusements. Another familiar face will be local Western Swing musician Jody Nix, who will provide entertainment on opening night.

Gospel music takes center stage under the big tent the next evening, with several acts planned to entertain fair-goers beginning at 7:30 p.m. Among the singers scheduled to perform are Bob and Marla Rainwater of Big Spring, Markwell said.

That Friday, entertainment will be provided by country artist Bobby Flores, a long-time friend and colleague of Nix, who will peform from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. under the main tent.

Entertainment on the concluding night of the fair will be provided by local resident Guy Will Zant, who will perform a variety of music, ranging from country to vintage rock, beginning at 7 p.m.

The annual Fair Queen Contest, usually held a week in advance of the event, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25 in the main fair barn. Potential entrants need to contact Howard for more information.

Other annual attractions scheduled for the fair include a “ranch rodeo,” tractor pull and the Kountry Kids pageant. The tractor pull this year will be dedicated to longtime fair supporter Gene Adams, who died earlier this year, Markwell said.

While she admits organizing the fair is a fairly grueling task, Markwell added that she enjoys the event as much as any visitor.

“I like to visit the different booths and see what they have to offer,” she said. “Basically, I just like walking around and seeing people enjoy themselves.”

For more information on the fair, contact Markwell at 268-9335.

Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331 ext. 234 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it