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Douglas County Fair Is Part of Fall Festival Next Weekend

Splinter Middleton and the Honkytonk Renovators will be among the entertainers at the Douglas County Fair next Friday night.

Splinter Middleton and the Honkytonk Renovators will be among the entertainers at the Douglas County Fair next Friday night.

Event Includes Demolition Derby, Glade Top Trail
If you thought you missed the Douglas County Fair this year, don’t despair. It’s coming up next week.
The Douglas County Fair and Fall Harvest Festival is a week away and counting.  This year’s fair, with a Fall Harvest theme, has built in a little something for everyone.
The fair kicks off Friday, Oct. 18, at 4 p.m. with the “All In Pick and Grin” featuring some great bands, like The Honkytonk Renovators with Splinter Middleton, Junior Marriott and his All Star Western Swing Band, The Southern Streak Band, the Cold Creek Cowboy Church Band, and others to be announced.
The evening will culminate with as many musicians still around gathering on stage for an “All In Pick and Grin.”
“Junior has really pulled together some amazing artists for the Marriott Music Stage, and we are excited to be working with him,” says Julia Panozzo, entertainment organizer.
There’s plenty more going on throughout the afternoon with the Denim Gals and Stick Horse Contest; CherNastics will perform, and there’s a pumpkin carving contest and a costume contest.
Saturday, Oct. 19, has a full slate of action starting when the gates open at 11 a.m. with an ATV Rodeo sponsored by Ozarks All Terrain and Scott Kilgore & Son Logging with heats running until 3 p.m.  There will be all kinds of activity on the main stage throughout the day, including, line dance lessons, and Danny Mays Country Music – A Tribute to Charlie Pride.
Of Course, Saturday night will culminate with a demolition derby.  There’s at least $1,000 guaranteed to the winner with more purse funds added as sponsors step up, and drivers register. Derby organizer, Christie Akers, says, “We’ve heard from over 20 drivers telling us they are bringing cars. There will be preliminary heats with a Championship heat to claim the cash.”
Throughout the two days there will be an antique tractor display; small livestock and project displays from area 4-H and FFA members; a petting zoo and pony rides; a large assortment of food and drink from funnel cakes to deep fried Twinkies, to local baked goods and coffee, kettle corn and the fair’s own concessions stand with hamburgers, hot dogs and all the fixings.
With vendors still signing up, there is a wide assortment of local agriculture, local woodworking, Ava Aviation Flight Club, the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW, Project Graduation, a USDA information booth, and others represented.  If you are interested in hosting a booth at the fair, please contact Dennis MacDonneil at 530-412-0614.
The all-volunteer board with several members of the Ava community donating their time and resources have really stepped up and done a tremendous job of putting this fair together.
Where else can you see top-notch entertainment one night, an ATV rodeo and demolition derby the second night included with your price of admission at $5 per day? Discount packages are available for both days and Glade Top Trail on Sunday ranging from $11 to $14 depending on meal selections at Glade Top Trail.
Advanced tickets are available at the Ava Chamber of Commerce office, Leisa’s Sweet Creations, True Brew, Independent Copy Center, and Ozark Vision Centre.
The activities at the fairgrounds will all lead into the annual Glade Top Trail which will be held Sunday, Oct. 20, at the Caney Picnic Area in the Mark Twain National Forest.
The noon meal will include the option of slow-cooked pulled pork dinner for $6, brown beans and ham dinner for $4, or a hot dog dinner for $3.
Activities will begin with a church service on the mountain at 10:30 a.m., followed by live music, turkey calling contest, scarecrow making, pumpkin painting, a dessert auction, and exhibits by local artisans.
Bring your lawn chairs and camera, and plan to spend the day enjoying the beautiful Ozarks fall beauty.
The Glade Top Trail has been held for more than 50 years, through the cooperation of the Ava Area Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Forest Service.