Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, July 29, 1994 TAG: 9407290047
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By DONNA ALVIS-BANKS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Long
Who has the biggest pumpkin, best-groomed dog, prettiest sunflower or tastiest sponge cake?
Who grew the hottest jalapeno pepper, trained the best herd of goats, painted the loveliest landscape or knitted the warmest sweater?
Who canned the crunchiest cucumber pickles?
It's time once again for the New River Valley Fair, and it looks as if it's going to be one more for folks to brag about.
"I think it's going to be another big one," fair manager Bud Walsh said. "Overall, we've got a good set of entertainers this year. That's the key to [the success of the fair] - that and the weather."
Each year, the fair books country music crowd-pleasers, including both new and veteran performers. Bill Monroe, the bluegrass music legend himself, is one of the luminaries this year.
Other hot acts include concerts by Neal McCoy ("No Doubt About It"), Tracy Byrd ("Lifestyles of the Not So Rich and Famous," "Someone To Give My Love To"), Michelle Wright ("Take It Like a Man") and McBride & The Ride.
McBride & The Ride has been around since 1989, although lead vocalist Terry McBride is the only remaining original member. The group had a hit single from its "Second Ground" album and a series of Top 5 hits from its latest release, "Hurry Sundown."
In addition to the musical entertainment, the fair will feature an antique tractor pull, a demolition derby, a family farm animal exhibit, a horse pull and, of course, rides, rides, rides!
The midway opens Monday with carnival rides each day through Aug. 6. The fair officially starts Saturday at 9 a.m. Exhibit halls are open nightly, 5-11, starting Monday.
Miranda Chaffin of Riner, daughter of Larry and Vickie Chaffin, is Miss New River Valley Fair 1994. She will preside over many of the activities throughout the week.
NEW RIVER VALLEY FAIR
Saturday
11 a.m.-5 p.m.: Antique tractor pull
4 p.m.: Main gate opens
7 p.m.: Demolition derby
Gate admission: Children under 6 admitted free. $3 for all others from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. After 2 p.m., admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children, ages 6 to 11.
Monday
1-8 p.m.: Artwork entries, produce and homemaking exhibits received (main gate)
1 p.m.: Stockman's contest
4 p.m.: Weigh-in for market lambs
4 p.m.: Main gate opens
5 p.m.: Entries received for beef and open sheep classes
6-11 p.m.: All-American shows on the midway
6 p.m.: Beef showmanship
7 p.m.: Stockman's awards presentation
7 and 9 p.m.: Tracy Byrd in concert
Gate admission: Children under 6 admitted free. $5 for adults and $2 for children, ages 6 to 11. Chair seating for concerts is $3 extra. Gate admission includes grandstand seating at concerts.
Tuesday
9 a.m.: Beef cattle show (junior and open)
Noon: Main gate opens
Noon-3 p.m.: Free gate admission
1 p.m.: Open sheep show
2 p.m.-closing: All-American ride special. Pay one price, $9, and ride until closing. Gate admission added after 3 p.m.
7 p.m.: Lamb and wool on parade
8 p.m.: Neal McCoy in concert
Gate admission: Children under 6 admitted free. $5 for adults and $2 for children, ages 6-11. Chair seating for the concert is $3 extra. Grandstand seating included in gate admission..
Wednesday
9 a.m.: Market lamb show
4 p.m.: Main gate opens
6-11 p.m.: All-American shows on the midway
6:30 p.m.: Pet show
7 and 9 p.m.: McBride & The Ride in concert
Gate admission: Children under 6 admitted free. $5 for adults and $2 for children, ages 6-11. Chair seating for concerts is $3 extra. Grandstand seating included in gate admission..
Thursday
4 p.m.: Main gate opens
6-11 p.m.: All-American ride special. Pay one price, $9, plus gate admission.
6 p.m.: Dairy goat milking
7 p.m.: Kiddie tractor pull
7:30 p.m.: Antique tractor parade
8 p.m.: Horse pull
Gate admission: Children 11 and under admitted free. $5 admission for adults, includes grandstand seating..
Aug. 5
4 p.m.: Main gate opens
4 p.m.: Dairy cattle show
6 p.m.: Youth goat show
6-11 p.m.: All-American shows on the midway
7 and 9 p.m.: Michelle Wright in concert
Gate admission: Children under 6 admitted free. $5 for adults and $2 for children, ages 6-11. Chair seating for concerts is $3 extra. Grandstand seating included in gate admission..
Aug. 6
Noon: American Dairy Goat Association sanctioned show
Noon: Main gate opens with free gate admission until 3 p.m.
2-5 p.m.: All-American ride special. Pay one price, $9, plus gate admission after 3 p.m.
6-11 p.m.: All-American shows on the midway
7 p.m.: The Greenes and The Nippers in concert
8 p.m.: Bill Monroe in concert
Gate admission: Children under 6 admitted free. $5 for adults and $2 for children, ages 6-11. Chair seating for concerts is $3 extra. Grandstand seating included in gate admission.
The New River Valley Fair will be held at the New River Valley Fairgrounds in Dublin. From Interstate 81, take Exit 98. The fairgrounds are four miles north of Dublin on Virginia 100. Call 674-1548 for more information.
by CNB