This week, the 48th Annual Butler County Fair brought residents from all over the South Central Alabama area to Greenville.

From flower shows to beauty contests, the Butler County Fair is an event that many look forward to every year.

The fair is a project of the Greenville Kiwanis Club and the proceeds go to children in several charitable causes. Although admission is only $1 for children and $4 for adults, the amount of money that is collected adds up fast, but not fast enough for the children in need.

All types of events are held at the fair in hopes of bringing out area residents, such as a cheerleader competition, which was held Wednesday and a beauty pageant, which was held on Thursday. Both nights, the bleachers near the fair stage were packed and people lined both sides of the stage to show support for the contestants. In both competitions, the girls had a great time and the enthusiasm shown by the crowd gave added support to the girls, some of whom were tackling their first bout of stage fright.

But that is the spirit of the fair

to support each other here in Butler County which, in turn, benefits other children locally, nationally and internationally.

One battle the Kiwanis Club helps to fight through the proceeds of the fair is iodine deficiency which can cause retardation in children. Although the Kiwanis Club at one time supported only local children, the need and desire to help children all over the world became a major concern of the Kiwanians. Children are a group that rely on others, and supporting functions such as the fair allows people to not only have a good time themselves, but make a better life for children who don't that

have an opportunity to experience things that many take for granted. It also allows for families to have a night out together in a place where all families come together.

So, today, the last day of the fair, call on your own children, your nieces, your nephews, your grandchildren. Get in some family time while helping those who can't help themselves.