An annual fall event is returning to the county in a few short weeks. The 54th Annual Kiwanis Butler County Fair arrives Tuesday, September 30 and runs through Oct. 4 at the Butler County Fairgrounds.

From funnel cakes and cotton candy to livestock shows and live entertainment (not to mention rides, rides, rides), the 2009 edition of the fair offers fun for all ages, says Richard Branum of the Greenville Kiwanis.

“As always, we will have commercial and community booths from throughout the county, plus a great exhibit of arts and crafts, original art, all kinds of canned and preserved foods, plants and floral arrangements – lots of stuff to see,” Branum said.

Items for competition and the booths will be set up the Sunday and Monday prior to the fair’s opening.

Get a glimpse of life down on the farm by visiting the livestock building, where exotic and domestic chickens, goats, cows, lambs and more can be found.

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. daily Tuesday through Friday and at 1 p.m. Saturday.

There are some changes to this year’s fair schedule.

In the place of Butler County Idol competition, a seasoned entertainer who has performed for a number of events in the area will be kicking off the fair on Tuesday night; Elvis tribute artist and country and gospel singer Bill J. Brooks of Tupelo, Mississippi, will take the stage from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday.

“All senior citizens 65 and over will have a free pass into the fair and to Mr. Brooks’ show, so we encourage all golden age citizens to come and enjoy the music and the fair that night,” Branum said.

According to Branum, a youth religious program is in the works for Wednesday night with more details to come.

On Saturday, Roscoe Miller from WKXN and a special guest will spin some tunes for the crowd.

Rather than purchasing individual tickets for rides and attractions at this year’s event, armbands will be sold each night.

“Most people end up spending more than $12 for rides, and the armbands are just $12, so it’s a great deal,” Branum said.

For information on specific programs at the fair, contact the following: lamb show, Donnie Goneke, 251-578-4453; arts and crafts, Linda Luman, 376-9139; commercial and community booths, Richard Branum, 371-2000 and livestock, Barry Wood, 376-2376.

According to Branum, anyone wanting a copy of the fair tabloid should stop by one of the following locations after Tuesday, Sept. 9: the Greenville-Butler County Public Library; Whitney Bank in Greenville and Georgiana; the County Extension Office, the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce and Butler County Land and Title.

The fair doesn’t just mean fun, food and games for the community to enjoy, said Branum, it also translates into support for the area’s young people.

“Proceeds from the fair go to support several youth-oriented organizations in the area and provides two scholarships to Key Club members,” Branum said.