Soon the night sky will be lit by fluorescent glow of carnival rides; and the smell of popcorn and corn dogs will fill the air as the Shelby County Fair takes center stage in Columbiana.

This is the 56th year for the event.

The fair, sponsored by the Columbiana and Chelsea Kiwanis clubs, will be Sept. 19-24 at the John E. Jones Exhibition Center in Columbiana with proceeds helping to support many youth programs in the county, including school reading, scouts and sports.

Admission will be $8 including parking, entertainment and unlimited rides.

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with rides opening at 6 p.m.

On Saturday, the gates open at 3 p.m., and the rides will begin at 3:30 p.m.

A variety of special events are planned throughout the week including Senior Night on Tuesday night when those over the age of 55 will be admitted for $4.

Class sheets with rules and regulations for exhibits and exhibitors, tags and registration sheets may be picked up after Sept. 1 at the following locations: Extension Office, Mid-State Farmer’s Co-Op and South Shelby Chamber of Commerce in Columbiana, Chelsea City Hall, Albert L. Scott Library in Alabaster and Central State Bank in Calera.

Features will include animal shows Monday through Thursday at 6 p.m. During the week, there will be school choirs, dance groups, gospel singing, a cheerleading contest, Elvis on Friday night and much more.

Look for more details in the Sept. 7 issue of the Shelby County Reporter