Hard work and preparation by competitors will pay off this week as the the Okmulgee County Fair begins Thursday, Sept. 5 at the fairgrounds in Okmulgee. Besides those with entries in the various categories, the OSU Extension staff, 4-H, FFA and Fair Board are excited about this year’s event. Setup began early Tuesday as exhibits were installed and entries were delivered to the fairgrounds. The fair officially opens at 10 a.m. on Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, the fair opens at 9 a.m. The annual Family Fun Festival is on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be games, prizes and inflatables and is free for all kids. East Central Electric is also giving away two new bikes to two lucky winners at noon. The Okmulgee County Fair Cattle Grading Contest will be held at the Okmulgee Stockyards at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 6. Here is the schedule for the three day event:

Thursday, Sept. 5

10 a.m. - Fair Officially Opens 12 p.m. - Food Judging Begins 12 p.m. - Sheep Show Begins Goat Show, 30 Minutes After Sheep Show, No Earlier Than 2 p.m. 4-5 p.m. - Rabbits And Poultry Must Be In Place 5 p.m. - Rabbit And Poultry Show - All Exhibitors Must Be Present During The Testing Of Poultry To Handle Their Own Birds. 7 p.m. - Gilt And Barrow Show

Friday, Sept. 6

9 a.m. - Exhibit Hall Opens 9 a.m. - Commercial Cattle Grading Competition 2-6 p.m. - Performance Steers Must Be In Place 4 p.m. - Salad Making Contest - Must Pre-Register – Contest Will Be Judged On Salad Preparation Only. 4:30 p.m. - Food Judging Ends 5 p.m. - Table Setting Contest

Saturday, Sept. 7

8 a.m. - Cattle Must Be In Barns For Weigh In 8:30 a.m. - Tractor Driving Contest 9 a.m. - Exhibit Hall Opens 9 a.m. -12 p.m. - Family Fun Festival - Free Family Activities For All Ages 12 p.m. - Performance Steer Show - Dairy, Beef, and Junior Cow/Calf Show 5 p.m. - Horse Show.