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The Butler County Fair organizers have prepared a full line-up of entertainment, contests, an auction, and worship for the community during the annual event slated for Sept. 27-30. The fair’s theme this year is “Help bring back the things that matter – Agriculture, education, community.”

“We want to get back to the basics of what a fair actually is,” said Michelle Styron, chairman of the Butler County Fair Association. “When kids now-a-days hear the word fair, they think of rides. We want to take it back to agriculture, education, community and industries, and try to get the focus back to what a fair actually is. It requires and is dependent on community involvement.”

The fair kicks off Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. with a community praise service, when seven praise and worship groups will perform three to five songs as a way for everyone to come together under the Lord, explained Styron. Any praise group, no larger than five people, must apply by Sept. 13. to participate. 

On Sept. 28 at 6:15 p.m. crowds will meet the court of the My Fair Lady beauty winners from the pageant hosted in May. 

That same night at 6:30 p.m. fair goers can sample a Taste of Butler at a baked goods auction. The exhibitor whose baked goods bring the highest bid in each category by age group will receive half of the bid for said item, along with a blue ribbon for the entry. The deadline to enter is Sept. 13. 

The preliminary talent show, The Spotlight, will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening. Talents may include (but are not limited to) singing, dancing, instrumental music, skits, magic, comedy, martial arts, or juggling. No lip-syncing is allowed. Three judges will have the ability to give a “golden buzzer” to their choice of participants, who will automatically get to perform at the Final Spotlight Saturday night. Accompanying music must be submitted by Sept. 20.

Friday night starts off with local artist Summer Waters at 7 p.m. Waters, a Crenshaw County native, is known for her big singing voice and is releasing her new album Aug. 11. 

Following Waters on Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. is the Smith Distillery band from Tuscaloosa. 

Saturday will begin with The Final Spotlight talent show at 7 p.m., where a prize will be given to the first, second and third place winners. 

The final performance of the Butler County Fair line-up is local legends the Randall Cauthen Band. 

Styron is excited for this year’s fair line-up and hopes the community will be too. 

“If there’s not a lot of community involvement this year, then we will just have to adjust and try something different,” Styron said. “We want everybody from Butler County to feel like these events are for them.”

Annie Glenn Braden, arts and crafts chairman of the Fair Association, encourages anyone who is gifted in a craft to join the arts and crafts contest and submit their work. 

“This year we will have a flower show, arts and crafts, food preservation, needlework, textiles and visual art,” Braden said. “Details for the competition and craft categories will be printed in our tabloid Aug. 15. Check the Butler County Fair Association Facebook page.”

Fair tickets at the gate are based on height, and are cash only. The largest ticket amount is $7 and goes down from there. Thursday evening is free entry for senior citizens 65 years and older. 

For questions regarding the fair line-up contact Styron at michelle@camelliacom.com or call 334-371-2000, Monday-Thursday between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.