County fair to kick off with barrel racing event

Plans are well underway for the 2025 St. Francis County Fair, and this year’s event is set to host a mix of new attractions and familiar favorites, along with some changes to the schedule for the weeklong activities. The fair will kick off on Saturday, Oct. 18, with its first ever barrel racing competition at the arena on the Wiley T. Jones Fairgrounds. Events will include pee wee, youth, open, adult and senior categories. Pre-entry for this event runs Oct. 13 through 16. All horses must present a negative Coggins test to participate. For more information, contact Sherry Rhea, event coordinator, at 870-630-7037. The fair fun will continue with the opening of exhibits and the Kountry Kitchen on Monday, Oct. 20. Carnival rides will debut two days later, when the midway opens on Wednesday. Pre-sale armbands are available now, and priced at $20 through September. The armbands will increase to $25 in October, and be $30 on the midway. Armbands may be purchased at Express Cleaners, SFC Farm Bureau or the Forrest City Area Chamber of Commerce office. “It really supports the local fair board if you purchase from us in advance,” said SFC Fair Board Treasurer Anna Howton. “That money can be used on other things for the fair.” This year’s fair will not feature a talent show, due to declining participation over the past several years. However, several new events are on the schedule. On Tuesday, Oct. 21, the Kiwanis Club will host family bingo night with prizes available for participants. A wrestling event featuring the All Pro Wrestling group is set for Saturday Oct. 25, along with the second annual car show. The car show will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with an entry fee of $10. All proceeds will be used for storm damage repairs at the fairgrounds. “We are pushing back the time for the car show a little bit, until 11 a.m.,” Howton said. “This way it will coincide with the pageants and family day.” Another new feature this year will be a baking competition sponsored by King Arthur Baking Company. In addition to contests, exhibits will showcase art, photography, jellies, jams and more. Howton encourages participants to start preparing their entries now. “People need to think ahead for their entries,” said Howton. “You have to think about setting aside items for jellies, jams, baking items, and get items such as arts and crafts prepared.” She continued, “When fair time comes, it’s pretty quick when you have to turn in your entries.” According to Howton, booth space is limited but available for businesses, civic groups and organizations wanting to promote their products or organization. Booths cost $75 for the week, and registration is open through the Forrest City Area Chamber of Commerce. Howton adds that volunteers are also needed to help vendors and patrons throughout the week. Community members may sign up to help by contacting Candice Kelso Bassham at SFC Farm Bureau in Forrest City. “We are really excited for the fair this year,” Howton said. “Being in October, we’re hoping for cooler weather and no rain. We’re bringing in new events while keeping the tried-and-true traditions that have great community support. There will be events for all ages – family day, senior citizens bingo, and delicious food served daily at the Kountry Kitchen. We really hope the community will come out and support these events.”

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