For complete list of fair events and times, see ChickasawTelephone Co. ad on page 2.
It was 103 years ago when folks from across the county gathered for the first organized fair in Murray County. The Davis Chamber of Commerce opened its Main street with exhibits and competitions and so our history began. Early years of the fair focused deeply on community connection, providing local farmers a place to showcase livestock and exchange agricultural strategies.
Around the early 1930’s, the 4-H program concept came to Murray County and young boys were given corn seeds to plant and bring to the fair competition. A short time later, young girls were given tomato seeds to plant and harvest by canning, they too competed at the fair, and the 4-H roots were planted and still growing at the county fair.
Today, Murray County is fortunate to host the fair in the modern Expo Center thanks to the work of many pioneers who paved the way for development and improvement of facilities to not only host the fair but as a place for community events, weddings and banquets.
Citizens may not realize that the county fair has an economic impact that we all benefit from. Last year, the fair generated $11,867.59 back into the economy. That’s money spent that generated taxes which support many of the services all citizens benefit from.
This week’s fair activities begins on Wednesday, Sept. 2 as the doors open at 9:00 a.m., and everyone is invited to come out to view the exhibits, meet with vendors and booth operators and enjoy great food from the 4-H Kitchen Concession Stand. The afternoon will feature a free barn quilt workshop at 2:00 p.m. presented by Janie Hardoin, professional barn quilt painter. This is open to the public.
Wednesday afternoon, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., will find all of the livestock entries coming into the barn in preparation for showing on Friday morning. Animals will be on display for all to see throughout the fair.
Wednesday evening will feature the cupcake decorating event which is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. Here, you will see 6 to 8-year-olds decorating, 4-H ages 9-and-older, and open class youth, ages 9 to 19, all in an event to feature creativity in decorating cupcakes.
At 5:00 p.m. the kiddie tractor race for boys and girls ages 4, 5 and 6 years of age will take place.
On Thursday, Sept. 3, the doors will open at 9:00 a.m. and registration for the youth shotgun contest will begin followed by the contest kicking off at 10:00 a.m.
Thursday evening will feature a celebration titled, “Pride of America,” for all Veterans and those currently serving in military service as well as their families. Stillwater Milling of Davis is donating a burger and hot dog dinner to honor and celebrate military service which kicks of at 6:00 p.m.
The Davis High School choir will be presenting vocal patriotic music, 4-H Member Kole DeArman will perform, the Chickasaw Honor Guard will present the colors, and a special program is planned. Everyone is invited to attend.
Thursday evening at 7:00 will feature the women’s Skillet Throwing Contest. Women of all ages are eligible and encouraged to participate.
Friday morning, Sept. 4 will find the building buzzing as youth from Sulphur and Davis visit the fair and become involved in interactive educational activities one of which is presented by the Southwest Dairy Association with their mobile dairy exhibit. Visitors will see the cow milked with modern milking equipment and hear a presentation on dairy production and products. Everyone is invited to stop by the exhibit. Also on hand will be a life-size model of a cow who will give birth to a calf. This exhibit will be presented by Dr. Barry Whitworth, OSU Extension Specialist.
Friday morning will also feature the judging of livestock beginning at 9:00 in the Expo arena.
The afternoon will find the youth Lego contest kicking off at 5:00 p.m. This contest will find youth using Lego blocks to construct specific items. This contest as well as the Women’s Skillet Throw is sponsored by Pinnacle Pest Control of Sulphur.
Immediately following the Lego Building Contest, the fair concludes and exhibits will be released and ready for pick up.
It takes many volunteers to plan and organize the fair and is conducted for the enjoyment of all county and area citizens.
For questions or more information contact the Murray County OSU Extension Office, 622-3016.
