Founded in 1857, the Washington County Fair touts itself as “the largest and most established county fair in Arkansas.”

What their website fails to mention, though, is that it’s also the best place in town to win a gold plated, flaming skull “Skull & Fire” pocket knife packaged inside a matching red and black tin box. At least it was in 2006, when I was lucky enough to land a ring right over one on my first toss while playing what has got to be one of the funnest carnival sports in history – Knife Game.

Some go for the rides, others go for the funnel cakes. Not me. I go for Knife Game. Best $5 I spend all year.

The gates officially opened at 10 a.m. Tuesday and will continue to do so each day through Saturday, Sept. 4. For those wanting to get a head start, admission is only $1 Tuesday and that’s good for the entire day. Keep in mind, though, that the rides don’t start until 5 p.m. on the weekdays. Saturday, they’ll begin at noon.

2010 schedule of events

Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010

10:00 a.m. – 2010 Washington County Fair Officially Opens

10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. – $1 Admission Day

10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Fun on the Farm exhibit (Thompson Hall)

5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Murphy Brothers Carnival Opens (Midway)

5:00 p.m. – How to prepare Fair Exhibits (Youth Building)

6:30 p.m. – Little People Ms. & Mr. Washington County Fair Beauty Pageant (Pauline Whitaker Arena)

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Live music with Papa Rap

Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Students Admitted Free

10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Fun on the Farm exhibit (Thompson Hall)

5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Murphy Brothers Carnival Opens (Midway)

7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Live music with Scott Miller & The Hitmen

Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010

10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Fun on the Farm exhibit (Thompson Hall)

5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Murphy Brothers Carnival Opens (Midway)

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Livestock Buyers Dinner – open to exhibitors and buyers (Outside Stage)

6:30 p.m. – 4-H & FFA Livestock Auction (Livestock Arena)

7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – Live music with Jason Strode

Friday, Sept. 3, 2010

10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Fun on the Farm exhibit (Thompson Hall)

5:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. – Murphy Brothers Carnival Opens (Midway)

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Cake Decorating Demonstration (Youth Exhibit Building)

7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Live music (TBA)

Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Dutch Oven Cook-Off (Front Gate)

12:00 noon – 10:00 p.m. – Murphy Brothers Carnival Opens (Midway)

2:30 p.m. – Tractor Pull (South Side of Beef Barn)

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Live music with Benjamin Del Shreve

For more information about the Washington County fair including a full livestock and exhibitor schedule, head over to mywashingtoncountyfair.com or call 479-587-0847.

Washington County Fairgrounds

2356 N. McConnell Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72704

View Larger Map