PIKETON - While folks in Scioto County anxiously await the opening of the Scioto County Fair Aug. 3, Pike County is preparing for its 99th fair. The annual event kicks off Friday and Saturday, with harness racing at the Grandstand. Racing begins at 5:30 p.m. each evening.

Also on tap is the National Kiddie Tractor competition, sponsored by the Junior Fairboard, which begins at 3 p.m. Sunday. Kids from 3 to 10 are invited to compete.

Pike County Fair royalty will be crowned at 7 p.m. Monday, at the Grandstand, followed by Family Fun Night, sponsored by the 4-H Committee, beginning at 8 p.m.

Toe-tappin' music with Uptown Bluegrass, Nutin' Fancy and Side Tracked will take center stage during Band Night, slated for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Grandstand.

New this year is the fair's first-ever Cornhole Tournament, which highlights Thursday's events beginning at 7 p.m.

Other events on tap for the week include Cyclemania bicycle racers on Aug. 1, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. and featuring six age categories. Bicycles and safety equipment will be provided by Pike Community Hospital, and registration forms will be available at the PCH booth during fair week.

An arm-wrestling competition begins at 6 p.m. Aug. 2, in Blaum Arena.

All the animal judging and showing will take place in the Multi-Purpose Building, while arts and crafts will take place in the Art Hall.

Daily gate admission is $6 ,or a season ticket is $20.

For a complete schedule of events, go to http://pikecofair.com.

DEBORAH DANIELS can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 234.