
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, August 11, 1995                   TAG: 9508110041
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: NEWPORT                                 LENGTH: Medium

NEWPORT FAIR STARTS TODAY

The annual Newport Agricultural Fair, the oldest in the state, kicks off today and Saturday with agricultural exhibits, games, music, and, adding a unique flavor to the event, a traditional jousting tournament.

More than 3,000 people may attend, including many former residents, making the fair a once-a-year town reunion. Residents from other communities are welcome.

The fair will occur at the town's old high school, and during the weekend residents will collect money to renovate the school, now a meeting and recreation center.

Today, the fair will feature a pet show, and agricultural, baking, and arts and crafts exhibits. Also on tap are a draft horse pull and music. Today's admission prices are $1 for adult and 50 cents for children.

Saturday's schedule includes a children's horse show, a beauty pageant, games, music, a cake walk, square dancing, a teen dance, and for a finale, fireworks. Admission prices are $1.50 for adults and 75 cents for children.

The jousting tournament may be the most unique part of the fair, which has continued for 60 years and was interrupted only by World War II. Set for Saturday afternoon, the tournament will feature participants on horseback who will try to spear a 7-foot lance through small, suspended rings. The catch is the horses must be moving at a gait faster than a walk, and the rings will start at 2 inches in diameter and become smaller as the competition continues.

Also occurring during the fair will be the sale of a book on genealogical research. Proceeds from the sale of "Call of My Grandfathers: A Guide to Beginning and Preserving Your Family History," written by three Newport authors, will go to the renovation of the old high school, which needs a new heating system and floors, and paint. The school closed in 1983 and was bought by the town in 1985. Since then it has been the community's gathering point, site of meetings, music, voting and recreation.

The renovation bill is estimated to be $12,000. Residents have raised $600 so far, said Joyce Hoerner, a member of Newport Community Action Inc.

by CNB