The time is here for kids to save up their pocket money, for the creative to put the finishing touches on everything from home canning to canvas art and for farmers to start looking for those perfect specimens in the garden or livestock pens. The Bethware Fair comes again next week for five days of fun, games and competition. Tuesday, July 25, is opening day for the agricultural and entertainment fair, staged for more than half a century by the Bethware Progressive Club. Progressive Club treasurer Fred Tate said that for 53 years the club has transformed the grounds of Bethware Elementary School into a fair fantasy and filled the gym with exhibitions.
People expect it, even though a lot of our members are getting old.
Tate's granddaughter, Kristen Marie Tate, wears the Bethware Fair Queen banner this year. As always, Bethware teachers make fair queen nominations from among rising fifth-grade students. Kristen is the daughter of Greg and Kim Tate, is active in youth programs at Bethlehem Baptist Church and plays basketball and soccer in Kings Mountain youth programs. She will preside over the opening of the fair and make appearances in the community during the year. Smokey Mountain Amusements will provide midway rides and games this year.