Bennie Scarton: It's my town

It's county fair time...

In keeping with its theme of "Celebrating Bounty in Our County," two new programs have been added to the Prince William County Fair that opens Friday.

Next Sunday has been designated as "Bring Food to Get Food" day at the fair.

Each person who brings a non-perishable food item that will be donated to SERVE Inc. will received a coupon for a free hot dog.

Also that day, the first-ever Farmers Market will be conducted at the fair from noon to 4 p.m.

Other activities will also be taking place at the 61st annual event.

One of the highlights in the Home Arts Division every year are the two Standard Flower Shows sponsored by Centennial Garden Club.

Everyone is invited to enter the horticulture and/or the design division. There is also a youth division for those 8 and under, 9-13 and 14-19 years old.

For the first show, entries are accepted Thursday between 2 and 9 p.m... Judging will take place Friday morning.

For the second show, entries are accepted Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 pm. and judging is that afternoon.

The fair catalogue can be picked up at the fair office at 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas. It gives information on the classes in design and the kinds of horticulture to enter as well as other information.

The club encourages people bring their prettiest flower, clean and fresh to be judged and maybe take home a ribbon. The flower show is open to the public.

Nightly features in the grandstand include truck and tractor pulls on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, demolition derbies on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, garden tractor pull on Tuesday, rodeo on Aug. 20 and Freestyle Motor-Cross Jump-Off on Aug. 21, the final day of the fair.

Daily attractions include Agricadabra Magic Show , Skyline Laser Tag, Hansens Acrobatic Sensations and Swifty Swine Racing Pigs.

Entertainment in the show barn will include Bill Emerson and Sweet Dixie Bluegrass Band on Friday, "Noctural Rush" on Saturday, "Magnificent Belly Dancers" and "Thinking with Richard" next Sunday, "2nd Thief" on Aug. 16, Bull Run Troubadours and Prince William Little Theatre on Aug. 17, Radford Brothers Band on Aug. 19, KYDA Pro Wrestling on Aug. 20 and Lionel Ward and The New World Band on Aug. 21.

General admission prices are $8 for adults age 7-59; seniors 60 and over $5; child ages 3-6 $5 and infants 2 and under get in free. Grandstand shows are $2 each for adults 18 and over. All ride tickets/wristbands must be purchased separately.

Other attractions include the Deggeller Attractions Midway, children's barn, livestock judging, baby contests, antique tractor pull, pet shows and home arts exhibits.

Fair visitors can chat with the Prince william Master Gardeners and the Prince William Bee-Keepers at their booth on Saturday and Sunday.

Gov. Bob McDonnell is coming to Prince William County on Aug. 25.

He will be a guest of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce at Old Hickory Golf Club, 11921 Chanceford Drive, Woodbridge.

Those attending can ask questions and hear answers directly from McDonnell following breakfast and a brief presentation on his reform initiatives and the issues that are important to local businesses.

Cost is $25 per person for chamber members and $35 for non members. His appearance is part of the chamber's Legislative Leaders Series.

Today is "Victorian Sunday: Tatting" at Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas.

Visitors can explore religion in the 1860's and its importance to area civilians during the American Civil War period. They can participate in or observe a recreated 19th century Christian worship service.

Activities and games will follow the 11 a.m. service and visitors can bring a picnic lunch and become involved in activities and games to follow the service.

... a similar program will be conducted on Aug. 22