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Crittenden County Lions Club has announced a last-minute change to the county fair this week.
There will be a carnival.
"Though there was not a carnival contract for the current year, the carnival company was available this week and requested to set up for the fair," said Zac Greenwell, event chairman of the county fair.
Since there had been some negative feedback about not having a carnival, Lions Club members decided to go ahead and allow the amusement company to set up as an independent contractor on the south end of the fairgrounds. The carnival will be open Wednesday through Saturday.
In addition to the carnival, the fair will feature several inflatables as planned, plus nightly features and other games. The fair starts Tuesday night with the Miss Crittenden County Pageant at Fohs Hall.
"The inflatable attractions will be included with gate admission; however, the carnival rides will be an additional charge," Greenwell said.
The carnival will cost $12 for a bracelet each night. The bracelet allows unlimited rides. That is a $3 discount from the bracelet price last year.
Greenwell said fair-goers should understand that Wednesday's free family night will include admission to the fair, inflatables and other normal attractions, but not to the carnival. A bracelet must also be purchased on Wednesday night in order to enjoy the amusement park rides.
"Family night will remain a free night for gate and access to the outdoor movie and inflatable attractions thanks to our sponsers Farmers Bank, Conrad's Food Store and Marion Tourism Department," Greenwell explained.
There will be a walk-through gate from the area of the inflatable attractions to the carnival area, Greenwell added.
"This last-minute decision to add the carnival was in response to the polling numbers of the Crittenden Press Blog and the feedback we have been receiving from our constituents and other community members," the even chairman said. "Basically, it was a decision to provide an additional option for those patrons of the fair who expect more than inflatable attractions. The fair will feature the biggest number of attractions than any other year in recent fair history."
