September 4, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
Although it will not be quite like the traditional Grandpa Fair of the South, the DeKalb County Fair Association has announced that a one day event is planned for Saturday, October 31 on the fairgrounds with several activities including pageants, exhibits, and fun things for kids. But there will be no carnival rides or hilltop events as in the past such as a rodeo, demolition derby, and motorcycle racing, etc.
Johnny Barnes, a member of the Fair Board, told WJLE Friday that board members voted Thursday night to move forward with plans for the event to coincide with Halloween.
Like so many other fairs and summer events, the DeKalb County Fair, originally scheduled for July 13-18, was postponed this year due to COVID-19 in accordance with guidelines pertaining to attractions and large venues by the Tennessee Economic Recovery Group. But in that announcement made on June 1, the Fair Board said plans were to have an event later in the year if possible.
“We voted to proceed with a one day fair and fair activities on October 31. We are going to try to have some of our traditional entries and fair activities during the day. We plan on having some pageants and some entries for our crops, canning, and crafts and all those things that usually take place in the women’s building. We also have plans for doing numerous activities for kids throughout the day. We plan on doing a pet show, some Halloween costume contests, kiddie tractor pull, and a few other events we are still working on. We would also like to do an antique car and tractor show for other interested parties to come to during the day. We hope to get as many community partners as possible involved to help us pass out candy in a trunk or treat activity that evening for all the kids who want to come out and trick or treat,” said Barnes.
According to Barnes the committee will meet again next week and try to finalize all the festivities for the day. “When we get more details we will release a full schedule for the day and deadline for all entries to be turned in,” said Barnes.