FOUKE, Ark. - The Miller County Fair and Rodeo was in a praising frame of mind Wednesday night as church kicked off. This year's fair, a five-day affair, rolled forth Tuesday with a parade. Wednesday night, fair organizers and the community came together to sing praises.
"Our churches and our community came together this night to praise the Lord," said Amanda Gainey of Fouke. She is a Miller County Fair and Rodeo board member. "Some of our community churches dismissed services in their own houses tonight, to come out and support the services on the fairgrounds."
This is the fair's 106th year, but the first time they included a worship service in the proceedings.
"We've had gospel bands before," Gainey said. "But this is the first time we've commenced with a full fledged Wednesday night church here. We had a vision, to give the community the opportunity to come and worship together."
The fair continues Thursday, when the rodeo activities begin.
"Among the things going on Thursday include competitive barrel racing, with both buckles and price money," said Lacey Power, Miller County Fair and Rodeo secretary. "We'll also have a Little Mister and Missus Western contest. Livestock check-in begins Thursday."
There also will be a home arts competition and sale on Thursday, featuring baked goods, quilts and more.
On Friday, the Ranch Rodeo goes down, featuring family teams, two adults, two children apiece. Various competitions, all featuring horsemanship, with calf branding, cow milking (yes, they dismount from the horses to milk the cows) and more. Also, there will be a Best Salsa contest.
Saturday features their Big Youth Rodeo.
"We have 105 area youth signed up for the rodeo, including three local world champs," said Power. "And we've a shindig that evening, a barn dance featuring the Dusty Rose Band."
(The Miller County Fair and Rodeo takes place at 301 E. Lewis St.)