As leaves fall in autumn, snow in winter and rain in spring, the Franklin-Southampton County Fair descends each August to entertain people near and far.

For starters, new royalty was picked on Wednesday at the Main Stage. Kirstyn P. Andrew is the new Fair Queen, and when you see her or any of the winners in the Little Miss pageant, don’t hesitate to say hello and offer congratulations. We don’t think bowing or curtseying is required, though.

Tonight, Nashville headliner Jo Dee Messina will be the featured Main Stage act, and she’ll be preceded by the Jody Pyles Band.

Tomorrow, Rae Lynn will grace the stage with the locally known Hickory Knoll Band.

All around the music are carnival rides, magic acts, the traditional horticulture and 4-H livestock shows, and plenty of food and beverages.

So, if you’re asking yourself what to do this weekend, we’ve got the answer: You’re going to the Franklin-Southampton County Fair, that’s what you’re doing.

We’ll see you there!