Fletcher Free Fair kicks off Sept. 1

FLETCHER – Fletcher’s annual Free Fair will feature beef, goat, sheep and swine shows combined with a Sept. 2 parade and live entertainment.

The purpose of the event, which began around 1952, has been to raise money for the junior and senior classes at Fletcher High School. The money is used to play for the school’s prom and senior trip.

Some of the money for the junior and senior classes will come from concession stands.

However, other school groups such as the varsity baseball and softball teams also participate with concession stands to raise funds for their team activities.

“People from all over show up for this,” Fletcher Agriculture instructor Kashen Urban said. “We want to encourage as many people as possible to show up. We usually have 1,500 to 2,000.”

The event is held at Fletcher Fairgrounds on North Street.

The free fair starts Sept. 1 with Heritage Day, which features antique ranching and farming equipment. All school students are brought to the fair so they can see the vintage equipment. The sheep and goat shows are set for 6 p.m. that day. There is no premium sale during the free fair.

In addition, entries for all 4-H fresh flowers, baked goods and other horticultural exhibits must be entered from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Judging for the women’s 4-H and open exhibits will occur.

The main activities on Friday, Sept. 2 include a 10 a.m. parade on Main Street, the 6 p.m. swine show coupled with live entertainment at 7 p.m. on the midway.

The dairy show will be held 9 a.m. Saturday and a tractor pull event is set for 10 a.m. Meanwhile, the beef show is scheduled for 6 p.m.

The 4-H and FFA Mother’s Club will also sponsor a concession stand to help the students. Meanwhile, the baseball and basketball teams will host a dunk tank and a free throw booth.