New River Valley Fair opens Monday

The New River Valley Fair returns to Pulaski County next week, July 23 – 28.

This summer’s fair promises something for everyone – from helicopter rides to bull rides, and racing pigs to country music.

The fair gets underway Monday when gates and rides open at 5 p.m.  Here’s a day-by-day look at what to expect:

Monday

Gate admission is $7 adults, children 7-11, $3 and children 6 and under are free. On Monday only, there is free gate admission to those who purchase a pay-one-price ride wristband at the main gate for $22.

Single ride tickets are on sale for $1 each. Sheets of 24 tickets are available for $20. Rides require 3 to 6 tickets per ride.

The main event Monday is the Sarge and Sons Demolition Derby, presented by Classic Country 98.1 WBRF in the Bud Walsh Arena Grandstand at 7:30. Admission to the grandstand is free.

Tuesday

It’s Family Day with Q99. Gates and rides open at 2 p.m. with free gate admission from 2 to 3 p.m. only. After 3 p.m. admission is adults, $5; seniors (62 and above), $3; children 7-11, $3 and children 6 and under are free. Pay-one-price wristbands are only $19.

The night’s main event is the horse pull in the Bud Walsh Arena grandstand at 7 p.m. with free admission.

The Fifth Annual Praize Hymn Gospel Concert begins at 7 p.m. on the Back Porch Stage with free admission.

Wednesday

It’s 94.9 Star Country Night with gates and rides opening at 5 p.m.  Gate admission is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 7-11 and children 6 and under free. Pay-one-price ride wristbands are $22 each.

A pet show is set for 7 p.m. in the Livestock Arena.

The night’s main event is country star Keith Anderson in the Bud Walsh Arena at 8 p.m. Reserved chair seating is $20 purchased in advance. Grandstand admission is $10 at the gate.

Thursday

This is Nash FM 107.1 Night at the fair. Gate admission is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 7-11 and children 6 and under free. Pay-one-price ride wristbands are $22 each.

The country music continues as the big event of the day with brother duo Wilson Fairchild performing on the main stage at 8 p.m. There will be festival seating for $8 in the Bud Walsh Arena.

Friday

The fun gets underway again at 5 p.m. with gates and rides opening. Gate admission is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 7-11 and children 6 and under free. Pay-one-price ride wristbands are $22 each.

From 5-8 p.m. Jimmy “The Boogie Woogie Man” Valiant will be in the Wysor Building. At 6 p.m. the Youth Market Lamb Show, sponsored by the Pulaski County 4-H and FFA is held in the Livestock Arena. A cutest baby contest is on the free stage in the Wysor Building and, strolling the midway will be TRON NATION.

At 7 p.m. ARMA Lawnmower Racing presented by Nash FM 107.1 will fill the Bud Walsh Arena. Grandstand admission is $5.

Saturday

The fair begins to wind down on this its final day. Gates and rides open at 2 p.m. and there is another admission special. Gate admission from 2-3 p.m. only is free.  After 3 p.m. its adults, $5; seniors 62 and above, $3, children 7-11, $3 and 6 and under are free. Pay-one-price wristbands are available from 2-5 p.m. only for $19 and after 5 p.m. the cost is $22.

Bulls and Barrels is the night’s main attraction in the Bud Walsh Arena at 7 p.m. with grandstand admission $10.

At 7:30 All-Star Wrestling, presented by 105.3 The Bear fills the Back Porch Stage. Admission is free.

As always there are other attractions around the fair. Operating all week will be Carolina Helicopters with rides available during fair hours. Free daily shows (Tuesday – Saturday) with Hogway Speedway Racing Pigs, goats and ducks. Buffalo Beals petting zoo will be on hand with camel and pony rides available. You can test your skills on a mechanical bull, view a Volvo trucks display and see special appearances by Taylor Mathers Copenhaver (Eminem Tribute), Princess Squad Ballet, Virginia State Police HEAT, Groovy, Miss Relay for Life pageant winners and more.  Plus, you can play Bingo with the Pulaski County Jaycees all week.

Food will be available from a variety of vendors and local community organizations such as the Dublin Lions Club, Snowville Ruritans and Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 1184.

Plus, the Wysor and Farris buildings will be open with displays, contest entries, exhibits and more.

Don’t miss the New River Valley Fair all next week, July 23-28 at the NRV Fairgrounds at 5581 Fairgrounds Circle. For you out-of-towners, take I-81, Exit 98, Dublin, Route 100 north, travel three miles and fairground is on the left.

For more, check out nrvfair.com

By MIKE WILLIAMS, The Patriot