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The Andalusia Kiwanis Club has officially opened the 2022 Covington County Fair, which will continue throughout the week at the fairgrounds.

This year’s fair, the 61st hosted by the Kiwanis Club, brings the return of exhibitions, along with the traditional assortment of games, food and carnival rides.

Among the highlights for the fair in 2022 is the return of traditional favorites after having been curtailed during the pandemic.

“This year we’ve worked to bring back our arts and crafts, talent shows and exhibits that we haven’t been able to do since the pandemic,” said Kiwanis Club member Don Cotton.

The Covington County Fair Pageant was held earlier this summer at the LBW Dixon Center and there are 25 booths competing for cash prizes in the exhibits. The exhibits will be judged by Brenda Gantt and Alan Cotton with awards presented to first, second and third places. The booths are judged on creativity, construction and strength of messaging.

A new tradition being carried forward from last year is a canned food drive to assist the local food bank. On Saturday, from 3 to 5 p.m., donating non-perishable food items will take the place of the $5 admission fee.

“The food drive was a big success last year and we hope it will be again this year,” Cotton said.

The fair is an all-out effort for members of the Kiwanis Club, as well as for several student organizations that volunteer, such as the Andalusia High School Key Club and FCCLA.

“Kiwanis members and their spouses all work throughout the week to make the fair a success. All of our members play a role,” Cotton said.

Money the club earns from the event provides for the club’s mission of supporting children and student programs. The goal is for the club to clear $40,000 for these projects.

“All the proceeds we make are redistributed to area organizations that benefit children. We also offer a total of $6,000 to county senior students that plan to attend LBW through the Harry Hinson LBW Scholarship Fund,” Cotton said.

Each day of the fair will provide discounts and other perks for specific groups. On Tuesday, the Kiwanis Club recognized Children’s Special Citizens Day beginning at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday will be Military Appreciation Night with active and reserve military service members receiving free admission. Thursday there will be an Adult’s Special Citizens Day beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Friday there will be special outside stage entertainment provided by Today’s Yesterday Band beginning at 7 p.m.

On week nights, the fair gates open at 6 p.m.

On Saturday, gates will open at 3 p.m. and fair visitors are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items or $5 for the food pantry. There will also be special entertainment provided on the inside stage by LA Kickers from Andalusia and the KLPA Creative Dancers from Troy. Outside stage entertainment by 55 South will begin at 7 p.m.

Sunday will feature rides only with gates open from 1 to 6 p.m.

Costs for the fair include a $5 admission fee and $20 for unlimited rides. Children ages 5 and under are free. Thursday is Family Night with the cost for unlimited rides decreased to $15. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the cost for unlimited rides is $25.