Opening night at the Pike County Fair is just around the corner.

By that time, hopes are that the hot, sultry days of September will give way to nights with a bit of nip in the air along the midway.

Pike County Fair dates for 2018 are October 2 though October 6 and it should be one of the best county fairs ever said Homer Homann, president of the sponsoring Troy Shrine Club.

“A primary purpose of the Pike County Fair is to bring together for display the best agricultural and home products made or grown in the Pike County area,” Homann said. “The fair is also a place to display the farm implements and equipment necessary to grow these products and to make these products.”

Homann said the Pike County Fair provides a place to display educational exhibits and conduct demonstrations and provide Midway and musical entertain for people of all ages.

“The Pike County Fair always has an outstanding midway and this year will continue that tradition with new and exciting rides for the brave-hearted and fun rides for the kids,” he said.

Traditional carnival rides are at the heart of any country fair and the Pike County Fair will have all the fair favorites from the Merry Go Round to the Ferris Wheel.

Of course, there will be cotton candy, corndogs and carnival games. Add a fun house and a spook house and a place for music to be played.

At the Cattle Barn there will be horses and mules, pigs and poultry, and goats and cows for viewing and for judging.

“In the creative living section, the canned food section is a favorite stopping station,” Homann said. “Then, there are the baked goods-cakes, pies, cookies, candy and bread.”

Those who enjoy needlework may compete in creative stitching, quilting and such. Those who like to play in the mud will want to participate in ceramics and pottery making.

There are special categories for unusual crafts such as corn shucks, egg art, basket weaving, pine needle weaving and even decorated shoes and hair ornaments.

All ages may participate photography, woodworking, potted plants and seasonal art.

Entries in the 2018 Pike County Fair exhibits will be accepted between the hours of 1 and 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 29 and Sunday, October 30 at the fairgrounds. Judging of the entries will begin at 9 a.m. on Monday, October 1.