COURTLAND
The Franklin-Southampton County Fair rolled in on a heat wave on Wednesday, bringing with it music, dancing, livestock and lots of beer.

Residents flooded the fairgrounds to join in the festivities and wait out the heat.

“It’s hot, but it’s not raining,” said LeeAnn Alexander, a member of the fair board.

Fairgoers tended to agree.

“It’s so fun,” Megan Purvis said. “The rides are fun, the music and food is great. And how often do you get to ride a camel?”

Attendees had their choice of riding camels or ponies at the petting zoo, midway rides, watching magic shows, and viewing the 4-H exhibitions, which included goat, heifer, rabbit and poultry showings, as well as the horticulture contests, and of course the Miss Franklin-Southampton pageant on Wednesday.

“There’s a lot to go do and see,” said Savannah Buchanan, winner of the pre-teen division of the pageant.

The fair also serves an important focal point for the county’s residents as a celebration of our hometown and our agricultural roots.

“One of the most important things about the fair is getting our young people involved in 4-H and agriculture,” said Walter Young, who also sits on the fair board. “Last year we raised over $4,000 dollars and that went right to helping our children’s 4-H programs.”

“It’s like a reunion,” said Taylor Rountree, winner of the teen division of the pageant. “I see so many people at the fair that I don’t normally see every day.”

Residents still have the opportunity to visit the fair on Saturday and to see the main attraction, a performance by country music singer Granger Smith.

“We are very appreciative of the support of our sponsors and the fairgoers,” said Alexander. “We hope everyone will come out for our final night, it’s going to be great.”