Entries are open to the public, youth categories include grades, 4-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Entrants need  to drop off their exhibits on Tuesday, September 15 between 3-7pm at the Tri -State Exhibition Center's new exhibition building. All work must be original, created by the entrant within the past twelve months, and should fit within the other guidelines. Applications are to be filled out at time of drop off. Judging will take place on Wednesday, September 16th and ribbons will be awarded in all categories. Entries will be on public display for the duration of the fair.

Among this year's Cultural Arts exhibits will be the exquisite hand embroidered quilt created by Jean Pierce, a member of the Valley View Ruritan Club and community volunteer who devoted 600 hours to complete the queen sized quilt which won first place in last year's handmade division.

Fairgoers will see who won the biggest fruit or vegetable and view other award winners among the Garden and Field Crop Exhibits which will include several categories in fruits, vegetables, ornamental crops, hay, haylage or silage, straw, soybeans, honey, tobacco and nursery display. Entry procedure is the same as above. For more detailed  information on entries, call Kay Smith (cultural arts) or Kim Frady (garden and field crop) 423-728-7001.

The fair will commence with a Poultry Show on Wednesday, September 16 between 12 - 5 sponsored by Southeastern Tennessee Showbird Club. Eligible poultry include bantams, standards and pigeons. There will be four classes in each variety of each breed (cocks, hens, cockerels and pullets). Entrants are required to have the poultry's blood tested prior to the show, call Lawrence Steward at (423) 263-9531 before Saturday, September 12th for details. Prizes for first, second and third place will be awarded.

Area Ruritan clubs work closely with the 4-H youth organization, members will have a chance to enter the 4-H Poultry show on Thursday, September 17th at 5:30pm with judging and auction to follow. Although entry is limited to 4-H members, the auction is open to the public. For those that prefer beef over poultry, there will be a Steer Show on Saturday, September 19th at noon.

An exciting new event this year that is likely to draw a large crowd will be Little Pro Youth Rodeo which will be held on Saturday, September 19th and Sunday, September 20th at 2:00 pm. Little Pro Youth Rodeo is an organization that "promotes children ages 19 and under to learn and fulfill their dreams in rodeo while at the same time having fun." The events will be open to children in four age group categories; Pee Wees - 6 and under, Buckeroos (7-10) Juniors (11-13) Seniors 14-19. The events will include; mutton bustin, ribbon roping, pole bending, chute doggin, calf roping, barrell racing, goat tying, bull riding, dummy roping, breakaway roping and team roping. New contestants need to call (423) 507-9662 on the Monday before the fair to qualify.

For those that come to the fair for thrills and excitement, the popular Demolition Derby invite you to "show off your fierce driving skills... bring your car, your crew and your kin," on Saturday, September 19th at 7:00 pm. Entry fee is $25 per car. A $1,500.00 cash purse and trophies will be awarded. Contestants need to be over 18 years of age (16 with notarized parental medical statement) show valid driver's license, and supply their own car which is to be entered at the track 2 hours prior to the derby.

For rules and application forms visit: www.foothillscountryfair.org/join_demolition.html or call Frank Roberts at 1-888-361-5767.

Lawn mowers are not just used for that tedious summer chore, they can also become a fun machine during the fair's popular  "Mow Down" event sponsored by the East Tennessee Lawn Mower Racing Association. The races for points will be on Friday, September 18th at 7:00pm, with the Championship races on Sunday, September 20th at 1:00pm.

Foothill's Beauty Pageant will determine who will be crowned Miss Foothills 2009 in the Fairest of the Fair competitions. This year a new category has been added to the pageants "Tiniest of the Fair" for adorable girls and boys ages 6 months to 4 years, it will be held at the fair on Saturday, September 19th at 12:30pm. Performing at the pageant will be Cleveland's 15 year old dancing queen Summer Collins. A $10 entry fee will include an 8x10 photo and free admission for the infant and one parent to the fair. Deadline to enter is Wednesday, September 16th. For applications as well as details and dates for all beauty pageant categories, visit:

www.foothillscountryfair.org.

The Bradley County Ruritan Clubs support their districts in a charitable way by raising money to help those in time of need as well as funding educational  activities and scholarships. All proceeds from the fair go right back into the community. This year, Foothills Fair has decided to go green with a recycling program for paper only, so bring along old newspapers, magazines and those recently expired telephone directories. Proceeds from the recycling will also be filtered back to the Ruritan clubs. Also, as part of the recycling program, local schools will have the opportunity to participate in a special contest by creating something recycled in a western theme. Each school is invited to submit one entry made from old, used recyclable materials; cans, plastic bottles, paper etc. Ribbons will be given to first, second and third place and the Best in Show selection

will be entered at the Tennessee State Fair Convention in Nashville.

Follow the signs to the fair. Admission is just $10 which includes unlimited carnival rides and parking is free.
For more information visit www.foothillscountryfair.org.

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