“It’s all about fun” at this year’s Covington County Kiwanis Fair, said Kiwanis President Dee Catrett.

The fair will begin Monday, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m., but there’s lots happening this week in preparation, Catrett said.

First, residents should take note of deadlines for entering the fair competitions, which range from baking and gardening to photography and painting.

The Kiwanis building will be open to receive exhibits Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

Registration for the horticulture and farm animal division will be held on Sunday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., and again on Monday from 8 a.m. until noon for farm animals only.

“We encourage those that are entering exhibits into the fair to bring those out on Friday and Saturday, if possible, unless they are baked goods, horticulture or livestock,” Catrett said. “Sunday seems to be the busiest day for registration so registering early may save some time.”

This year, local residents will see a few new things at the fair, she said.

“We have a Miss Covington County Fair competition, which is for the older girls,” she said. “Then, there is an antique car display and an amphibian and reptile display set, as well.

“This is Kiwanis’s largest fundraiser of the year, and most of our profits go back into the community by donations to various community organizations, community sports, school organizations and such,” she said. “Young children are our No. 1 priority. Our theme this year is ‘It’s all about fun,’ so we invite everyone to come out and enjoy the fair with family and friends.”

“There will be lots of good food, entertainment and fun rides, so come out and have some fun at the Kiwanis Covington County Fair,” she said.

Other favorites, such as the annual talent competition and Little Miss and Tiny Miss pageants, are also slated.

The deadline to enter this year’s pageants has been extended to Friday. To enter, contact Kaci Perry at 334-222-6951.

This year’s talent contest will be held on Wed., Oct. 19, at 6:30 p.m., for students in 7th through 12th grades and on Thurs., Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m., for kindergarteners through 6th grade. Cash prizes – $25 for third place; $75 for second place and $150 for first place – will be paid.

“This is for amateur talent only, and acts must be limited to five minutes,” Cattrett said.

Deadline to enter is Mon., Oct. 17, and the entry form must be given to Gary Buck at Covington Electronics.

Advanced admission tickets are available at all local banks until Friday and are $4 for adults and $2 for children under 13. At the gate, tickets are $5 and $3, respectively.

Armbands are $20 each night, with the exception of Monday, Wednesday and Sunday.

Monday is “merchant’s night,” and with a receipt from any area merchant for that day, armbands will be reduced to $18 each.

Wednesday is “family night,” with admission at $4 for adults, $2 for children and armbands are $15 each.

Thursday is “senior night,” with admission for those 65 and older at $3.