Time is fast approaching for the 2002 Shelby County Fair.

The fair, sponsored by the Columbiana and Chelsea Kiwanis clubs, will be held Sept. 16-21.

Class sheets, tags and information sheets for entering items into the fair can be picked up at the following locations prior to Sept. 1: the office of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in Columbiana, Mid State Co-Op in Columbiana, the Chelsea City Hall, Central State Bank in Calera and Mitchell Feed and Seed in Alabaster.

For information on the fair or its categories, call fair manager Jack Mundy at 669-6621; assistant fair manager John Jones (booths, exhibits) at 669-7806; Ricky Colquitt (animal shows) at 669-6763; Jerry Johnson (entertainment) at 669-1427 or Bob Wanninger (photography) at 678-7722.

Opening ceremonies for the fair will be held Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. and will feature the U.S. Army Junior ROTC from Vincent High School, Miss Alabama Agriculture Kacey Walton singing the National Anthem and remarks by Columbiana Mayor Allan Lowe.

On Monday, the 4-H Dairy Show will also be featured along with the cheerleader and rope pulling context as well as a little league cheerleaders contest.

Tuesday night at the fair will be Gospel Singing Night dedicated to the late George M. &uot;Skillet&uot; Bird. Featured singers will be some of his favorites, Masters Men, Key Masters, 4-Given Voices, Up-Lifted and the Royal Masters

Seniors will be admitted for only $4 on Tuesday night.

Wednesday’s entertainment will commence with the 4-H and FFA Beef Show at 6 p.m.

Laura Culpepper will perform at 6 p.m. followed by the Vincent Elementary School choir at 6:30 p.m., the Elvin Hill Dancers at 7:30 p.m. and Culpepper again at 8:30 p.m.

The Youth Meat Goat Show will be held Thursday night at 6 p.m.

Also performing at 6 p.m. will be the Elvin Hill Music Company followed by the Thompson Elementary Choir at 7 p.m. and SHARPS (Shelby Harmonica Players Society) at 8 p.m.

Friday night at the fair will be Elvis Night with entertainment beginning at 8 p.m.

Events will be held throughout the day on Saturday, Sept. 21. An Ugly Dog Show will be held at 3 p.m., and a Needle in the Haystack contest will be held at 5 p.m. followed by a Bluegrass Festival at 6 p.m. Featured bluegrass artists include Southern Comfort, Good-Time Blue Grass, Stoney Creek, Stanley & Company and Southbound