The McCracken County Fair occurs in late June in Paducah, Kentucky, at Carson Park and other venues around town. The six-day fair provides a showcase for local talent and farmers to display and sell animals and prepared foods. It includes a wide variety of events including a beauty pageant, demolition derby, talent show and gardening workshops. Many exhibitors are competing for spots in the Kentucky State Fair later in the year.
The beauty pageant at the McCracken County Fair is a gateway to the Miss Kentucky State Fair competition, which can help girls prepare for other pageants. Girls between 16 and 21 may compete in the pageant. It includes formal wear, day wear, swimsuit, talent and interview categories. The pageant is based at the Paducah Civic Center; contestants frequently attend events on the fairgrounds.
Farm animals exhibited at the fair are for sale; some are entered in state competition. Animals on display include beef cattle, dairy goats and swine. A western horse show demonstrates the skills of animals and riders. The McCracken County Extension Office presents gardening lectures and demonstrations. The fair also has floral competitions.
Besides the beauty pageant, fair attendees can enjoy carnival rides and games throughout the fairgrounds. A talent competition offers cash prizes to dance, acrobatic and variety acts. Anyone with a junker can enter the fair's demolition derby; winners and runners-up win prizes of $25 to $500. Other events include harness races, motorcycle races and tractor pulls.
Craft exhibits, demonstrations and vendors are in tents and exhibit halls on the fairgrounds. Children enjoy activities such as crafts and face painting. Gardening and floral display demonstrations and competitions are ongoing for the duration of the fair. Food options include carnival concession stands and local produce such as pies, jams and jellies.
