It’s almost Polk County Fair time. The Fair officially begins next Monday, Aug. 25, but the Showbarn will be buzzing with activity this weekend for booths and exhibits.

The Showbarn in Benton will be open to work on booths and enter exhibits from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 on Sunday. Applications will be accepted for Pretty Baby, Pre-Teen, Junior & Fairest of the Fair, and other contests.

The fee for the Pretty Baby Contest (ages up to 3 years) is $15, which includes a free 8x10 portrait. Pre-registration  is required; no entries will be accepted the day of the contest. The deadline for registration is midnight, Aug. 24. Those who cannot get to the Showbarn this weekend can send registration forms to 141 Circle R Drive, Benton TN 37307. Categories are girls and boys under 6 months; girls and boys 6 months – 1 year; girls and boys 1-2 years; and girls and boys 2-3 years.

The Fair officially begins at 6 p.m. with a flag raising by the Cub Scouts Webelos Troop 3013.  This year, the flag to be used during the fair was donated by Petty Officer Second Class Tony Dunn. Dunn was stationed on the USS Koelsch (FF1049) when  Iranian nationalists stormed the American Embassy and took 52 American hostages, who were released January 20, 1981. Navy policy allows old flags to become available to crewmembers once they are replaced and Dunn was able to obtain the flag and has kept it as a memento of the 444 days he spent in Iran.

Judging of the exhibits will be Monday, 2-4 p.m. Rides begin at 6 p.m., with unlimited rides for $15. Parking is at the ball fields on Welcome Valley Rd. A parking pass is needed to park next to the Showbarn; only vendor parking will be allowed at the Showbarn on Thursday night.

The first half of the Pretty Baby Contest will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, with contests for boys and girls ages 0-6 months and 6 months-1 year. The Talent Contest will be 8-10 p.m. with divisions for adult, teen and children. Entry fee is $10; deadline is Aug. 24. Entries and fees may be sent to P.O. Box 194, Benton TN 37307.

On Tuesday, the Pretty Baby contest will be for boys and girls age 1-2 years and 2-3 years beginning at 6 p.m. From 8-10 there will be entertainment from Rock n Roll Mamas and Cherokee Storytelling and dancing by Bitter Tears Drum & Dance Group.

Wednesday is Senior Citizen night and features the Gospel Caravan and service.

On Thursday, livestock shows will be held in the Showbarn, with sheep at 6 p.m., beef at 7, and dairy at 8.

Friday, Aug. 29, 7-10, features bluegrass music with Hiwassee Ridge and country music by Jill England.

Beauty contests begin Saturday at 3 p.m. with the Wee Miss (age 3 through 5) and Little Miss (age 6 through 8). The deadline to enter is midnight Aug 28. Fee is $20, which includes a free 8x10 portrait. There must be five contestants to hold the pageant. Send entries to Wee Miss/Little Miss Contest, 951 Columbus Rd., Delano TN 37325.

The Pre-Teen Fairest of the Fair (ages 9-12) will begin at 6 p.m., followed by Junior Fairest (ages 13-15) at 7 p.m. and the Fairest of the Fair (ages 16-21). Only the Fairest of the Fair is limited to Polk County residents. Contestants must attend rehearsal August 30 from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. at the Showbarn. Entry fees and applications are due by Wednesday, Aug. 27 at midnight. Applications and fees will be accepted at the Showbarn on Saturday, Aug. 24, but not on Sunday. Fees are $35 for Fairest, $25 for Junior Fairest, and $20 for Pre-Teen Fairest. Mail fees and applications to Loretta Rummel, P.O. Box 1094, Benton TN 37307.

The activities come to an end Saturday night. The Showbarn will be open Sunday, 1-4 to pick up exhibits.