RIPLEY -You might say the Tippah County Fair this year has gone to the dogs; and to the cats, horses, cattle, chickens, mules, goats, rabbits, turtles, mice, birds and all other creatures appearing at the 66th annual event at the Tippah County Fairgrounds in Ripley early next month.

The traditional goat show kicks off the opening day's activities on Saturday, Aug. 7, at 11 a.m.

That night, a new event -- the first annual Ranch Rodeo -- promises to be full of excitement when local hometown cowboys tackle wild cow milking, mugging and branding cattle, team sorting and trailer loading big, bad bulls. There's an entry fee, and teams must pre-register by Sunday, Aug 1. There will be cash awards for the top team, top hand, and top horse. The fun begins at 7 p.m. Joey Childs or David Palmer are available for more information.

A contrast to the livestock and pet side of the Fair is the annual Tippah County Fair Fairest of the Fair Contests held in the Coliseum on Saturday Aug 7 beginning at 6 p.m. Tammy Sharplin is in charge.

On Monday, Aug. 9, the annual rabbit, chicken, and calf scramble sponsored by Hughey Angus Farms begin at 7 p.m. Arm Band rides start at 5 p.m. and go until 10.

School Night follows on Tuesday with all the youth events held in the Coliseum. There is a Cheer-Off this year at 7 p.m. The traditional Bicycle Race gears up at 7:30 in the outside arena. Lane Bell, Chairman, says parents' permission is required for all participation.

Gate admission is reduced on Wednesday if fairgoers bring a can of food for the Good Samaritan Center. This is also the night for some real good, down home gospel singing beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday night is the big night for pet lovers. This is the opportunity for families to gather their special pals, give them a "tune up", and show them off. Held in the air-conditioned front of the old Coliseum, the long-time favorite event of the Tippah County Fair is at 6 p.m. Registration starts at 5:30.

There are classes for small and medium sized dogs for ages 7 and under. The classes include categories like smallest, most obedient, best groomed, and best trick.

The show also includes age groups from 8-12, and 13 -18 and a registered show for adults and youth. Plaques and ribbons will be awarded. There are regulations for the registered show and there is a variety of special groups.

Pet show Chairman Dr. Norris Howell celebrates his 20th Anniversary as the Pet Show Chairman this year. Howell, his wife Lynn, and daughter Julie are well-known for their love for animals. Howell is also active in rescue and wildlife preservation efforts.

Said Howell, "I just love the pet show. The children and their pets are wonderful every year. We've had everything from hamsters in toy sports cars to burros, a Zeedonk, reptiles and trick white mice and lots of cats and dogs. There's always a good turn-out of participants and spectators."

Plans should be made for a full day on Thursday at the Fair. In addition to the pet show, the talent show is staged in the Program Hall starting at 7 p.m. with the J-Bar B Rodeo Company rolling in the outside arena at 8. If it rains this popular event will run in the Coliseum. Armbands are available as well for the midway.

Friday, Aug 13 is another big day at the Fairgrounds. Plan to hear the Dulcimer Guild in the Program Hall at 6:30. Don't miss the truck, motorcycle, and sound show in the Coliseum at 8 p.m., another night at the J-Bar B Rodeo, and a watermelon cutting sponsored by The Peoples Bank.

The 66th Annual Tippah County Fair and Livestock Show closes Saturday night at 12 midnight. Armbands are good for the rides from 4 p.m. until midnight on this night.

At 12 noon on Saturday the Junior and Open Beef Show begins at noon. According to Chairman Connie Alberson, the order of the show begins with Showmanship and general rules apply. Animals must be checked in no later than 9 a.m. and stay until after the show. The show includes a division for Steers and Commercial Heifers, the Junior Beef Show, and Breeding Beef Cattle.

The Micro-midget Sprint Car event happens at 6 p.m, and the grand, "something for everybody" Fair ends with a Bluegrass Country and Gospel singing.

Throughout the week, the buildings on the grounds offer a variety of exhibits. Adult flowers, foods, old-fashioned style food preservation, fresh fruits and vegetables and crops are at their peak.

Textiles and crafts, art, photography shows are open to adults and youth. Local 4-H groups exhibit art works, crafts and food. The 4-H Poultry Show is always a remarkable and premier example of

youth participation in the annual county-wide fair.

For more information on events at the fair, catalogs are available at the Tippah County Extension Office. Event details are also published in the issue.