The 2013 West Alabama State Fair is Now Open at Sokol Park

Here we go! It's time for the West Alabama State Fair at Sokol Park! This has caught some by surprise that it's happening in August, rather than October or November. The organizers decided to not compete against your love of Alabama football during the fall and rolled it out early! The annual event presented by United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama, serves as their major annual fundraiser. It all starts today (August 20th) and runs through Sunday August 25th. Admission is $3.

According to a WVTM-TV report:

There will be nonstop entertainment including Chris Baldwin Magic, a performance of "SHREK the Musical" by the Actor's Charitable Theatre, and live music ranging from country, Christian, bluegrass and more. Other events include a pie-eating contest, root beer-chugging contest, money haystack, watermelon seed-spitting contest and mooing contest.

Also, the Inaugural West Alabama State Fair Antique Car Show takes place Saturday, August 24, 2013 from 12-4 p.m.

Cost is $10 per car and participants will receive door prizes and dash plaques.

Parking is free, but donations are requested.

Sure that sounds great and all. So does the petting zoo for the kidos. But, bring on the fair rides! There are plenty of those, including the favorites.

I've always been a fan of the 'Himalaya!' The ride which goes around in a circle in a wave flow. You roll a little faster and faster to lightning speed. Slow down and then go in reverse. Wild flashing lights, strobes and even a DJ rapping on the mic, cranking up the tunes! As a teenager, this was the dream summer job, to be that guy. Yah, it all goes back to my fascination to be a DJ for anything. You know what, a couple of years later I did land a gig working a similar ride at an amusement park. The time would fly by and I would get paid to do it! Score!

Visit the UCP of West Alabama page dedicated to the fair, HERE.

Join me (Greg Thomas) at the West Alabama State Fair on Tuesday between 5pm and 7pm with B101.7!