SOUTHERN ILLINOIS GEARS UP FOR LOCAL FAIRS; PULASKI CELEBRATES 100 YEARS IN CONJUNCTION WITH COUNTY FAIR

PULASKI, Ill. -- Tractors are for more than plowing.

Spectators at the 39th annual Pulaski County Fair will see tractors of all kinds take part in tractor pulls.

The International Tractor Pull Association sanctioned pull is the big event Aug. 19, featuring a half-dozen classes filled with stock and "souped-up" machines.

Before the association event, small tractors will compete in a garden tractor pull.

Tractor pulls, demolition derbies, rodeo action, 4-x-4 mud races and midway rides all go together to create excitement at the annual county fair.

The event at Pulaski along U.S. Highway 51 halfway between Cairo and Anna, kicks off Sunday evening, with gospel singing and community worship services. Gospel music starts at 5 and will feature the Gloryroad Travelers, Unity Quartet and the Pulaski Christian Church Choir.

The Rev. Wiley Godfrey of Metropolis will speak at the service.

This is a special year for the town of Pulaski and the community's First Christian Church, said Randy Jones of the Pulaski County Fair Association. "Both are observing 100th anniversaries this month."

The fair will provide plenty of activity from opening day Aug. 16 to Aug. 22.

Two demolition derbies are on the week's schedule.

A local demolition derby, limited to Pulaski and Alexander county residents, will be held Aug. 17, at 7 p.m. Two nights later, on Aug. 19, the open derby will be held.

Additional information about the fair is available by calling (618) 342-6622

Fair schedules

Pulaski County

Aug. 16

5 p.m. -- Gospel singing.

7 p.m. -- Community Worship Service.

Aug. 17

7 p.m. -- Local Demolition Derby.

Aug. 18

6 p.m. -- Garden tractor pull.

7 p.m. -- International tractor pull.

Judging of exhibits in exhibit hall.

Aug. 19

7 p.m. -- "Open" Demolition Derby.

Livestock judging.

Aug. 20

7:30 p.m. -- Rodeo.

Aug. 21

6:30 p.m. -- Western Horse Show, 17 classes.

Aug. 22

6 p.m. -- 4-x-4 Mud race, 4 classes.

Union County

Aug. 21

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. -- Entry registrations at fair office.

Aug. 22

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- Entry registrations at fair offices.

3 p.m. -- Junior horse show at horse arena.

Aug. 23

4 p.m. -- Pet parade.

7 p.m. -- Community worship service.

Aug. 24

3 p.m. -- Junior tractor operator contest.

8 p.m. -- Queen pageant.

Aug. 25

1 to 3 p.m. -- Livestock judging.

3 p.m. -- 4-H livestock show.

7:30 p.m. -- Rodeo.

Aug. 26

(Children's Day, children admitted free)

9 a.m. -- Junior swine and sheep judging.

1 p.m. -- Junior livestock beef judging.

3 p.m. -- Harness racing and mule racing.

7 p.m. -- Tractor pull.

Aug. 27

(Veterans Day, veterans admitted free)

1 p.m. -- Junior livestock option.

3 p.m. -- Harness racing and mule racing.

8 p.m. -- Horse show.

Aug. 28

3 p.m. -- Harness racing and mule racing.

8 p.m. -- Demolition derby.

Aug. 29

8 p.m. -- Demolition Derby.

All day -- Discount rides.