The Lawrence County Junior Fair holds and promotes a local county fair each year that focuses on the talents of the youth in the community by providing means to educate, exhibit and compete in various livestock and general project areas.
This year, the fair kicks off on Saturday, July 30 with the Miss Lawrence County Pageant at 7 p.m. in the main building at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds. Admission fees are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Doors open at 6 p.m.
The pageant will include the crowning of the 2022 Miss Lawrence County Queen, Junior Miss and Little Miss.
The fair continues on Sunday, July 31 with Church in the Barn at 10 a.m. and games in the barn including the annual Hay Bale Throw Contest, which is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the livestock barns.
There is no entry fee to participate and the contest is open to girls and boys ages five to 18. Entry in class is based on participants age the day of the show. 
The Battle of the Barns begins at 2 p.m. when exhibitors of all ages are encouraged to participte in traditional farm-type games.
A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. in the main building at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds, 11107 4-H Road, Sumner.
The ribbon cutting event will introduce the Lawrence County 2022 Queen Court including the newly crowned Miss Lawrence County, Junior Miss Lawrence County and Little Miss Lawrence County. An introduction of the 2022 Fair Board will also take place as well as recognition of past Fair Board members.
The history of the fairgrounds will be on display. A time capsule is being put together to be buried and revealed at the Lawrence County Jr. Fair in 2072. Past 4-H items such as old trophies, ribbons, fairbooks or pictures are being sought for the capsule. Refreshments will be served.
An Adorable Baby Contest will be held at 6 p.m. on the same evening. Registration is from 4-5:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds. No entries will be taken after 6 p.m. There is a $10 entry fee to participate.
Age group divisions are:
• Infant Miss and Mister, zero to five months.
• Baby Miss and Mister, six to 11 months.
• Tiny Miss and Mister, one year old.
• Tiny Tot Miss and Mister, two years old.
• Adorable Miss and Mister, three years old.
Participants should wear something fun and casual that they would wear to the fair. Makeup is not allowed.
For more information, contact Skyelar Palmer at 812-881-0347.
Also taking place on July 31 is the Golf Cart Rodeo. This event will begin at 6:30 p.m. when the award for best decorated cart of UTV is given. The rodeo begins at 7 p.m. in the grandstand arena.
Those taking part should bring their own vehicle to drive through the pre-determined course, which is timed. Trophies will be presented to the first through third place winners.
Golf cart rodeo rules include:
• Must be two people per team, a driver and passenger.
• The person driving must be 10 years of age or older.
• The driver and passenger can switch on and off between events.
• One person will do the activity while the other rebounds for their team partner.
• All activities must be completed before moving on to the next round.
The Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. in the main building. Registration begins at 5 p.m. and the cost to participate is $2 per child.
Pull classes include:
• Girls - 0-40 lbs.; 41-65 lbs.; 66-90 lbs.; and 91-150 lbs.
• Boys - 0-50 lbs.; 51-75 lbs.; 76-100 lbs.; and 101-150 lbs.
Pedal tractors and sleds will be provided. All classes are subject to change.
The Redneck Dirt Drags will begin at 7 p.m. on Aug. 1 with registration taking place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The entry fee is $20 per vehicle and call outs are $5. Pit passes are $20 and are required for all who enter the pits, regardless of age.
For more information, contact Carter Steffey at 928-2171.
The Vendor Market at the Fair will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 2 from 5-8 p.m. at the main building. The market will feature market vendors, crafters and more. Admission to the market is free and open to the public.
The Lawrence County Truck Pulls will begin at 7 p.m. in the grandstand arena. Weigh-in is from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The entry fee is $20 per truck. Pit passes are available for $20, regardless of age.
For more information, contact Carter Steffey at 928-2171.
The Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Business Expo of Lawrence County on Wednesday, Aug. 3 from 5-7 p.m. in the main building at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds.
This event will feature local businesses showcasing their offerings to the public.
There is no cost to set up at the event and tables will be furnished.
To reserve a booth, contact Paige Harvey, Lawrence County Chamber executive director, at 943-3516 or by email at pharvey@lawrencecochamber.com.
The annual BBQ dinner returns this year and will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Aug. 3. The cost is $10 per person. Dine-in and carry-out options are both available.
The menu includes: pulled pork BBQ prepared by Legacy Meats and a choice of two, baked beans, cole slaw or potato chips. Cake and drinks will also accompany the meal.
Pre-purchase tickets are available at: Bridgeport Grain, Lawrene County Chamber of Commerce, Legacy Meats and from all current 4-H members.
Pig Wrestling takes center stage in the grandstand arena at 7 p.m. Pre-registration is recommended and costs $45 for a team of four to five members. Registration the day of the event will cost $50 and must be received by noon.
Classes include:
• Girls and boys, age five to eight.
• Girls and boys, age nine to 13.
• Girls and boys, age 14-18.
• Men and women, 19-30.
• Men/women, 31 and up.
Contestants under the age of 18 must have a signed release form from their parents/guardians.
Registration can be found online at www.lawrencecfb.com.
The Youth Livestock Market Auction will be held on Thursday, Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the livestock barns. Animals featured will include: beef, dairy, sheep, swine, rabbits and goats. Poultry will not be shown at this years fair due to state guidelines.
Go Kart Races at the Fair will be held on Friday, Aug. 5 beginning at 7 p.m. in the grandstand arena. A driver’s meeting will be held at 5:45 p.m. and hot laps will follow. The registration fee is $20 and pit passes are also $20. Pit passes are required for anyone wanting admission to enter the pits, regardless of age.
Classes include:
• Junior 1 - ages 6-12 - green plate 0.425 - 265 pounds.
• Junior 3 - ages 10-15 - blue plate 0.550 - 320 pounds.
• Pedator 212 - True Box Stock - 350 pounds - no engine modifications - 100% payback.
• Clone - 350 pounds - AKRA rules - 100% payback.
• Super Stock - $300 claim - 350 pounds - Stock Carb 0.615 - 18 lb. springs - gas - max jet 0.039 - 100% payback.
• Open - small block open - 350 pounds - open tire rule - 100% paycheck.
• Ladies Class - open class rules - 100% payback.
• Age 50 and over class - open class rules - 100% payback.
Trophies will be given to first through third placers in the JR1, JR3, Predator 212, Clone, Super Stock, Open, Ladies and 50 plus groups.
For more information, call Michael Brown at 618-562-7127.