What to know, show schedules, daily specials

Diving dogs, racing pigs, sea lions balancing balls, a female escape artist, and an exotic petting zoo are upcoming attractions at the Anderson County Fair.

The Anderson County Fair will return to the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center at 3027 MLK Jr. Boulevard from Thursday, May 2 to Sunday, May 12.

During the 10-day county fair, attendees will have the chance to enjoy several free and entertaining performances.

These include the Ready To Go Dog Show, Lady Houdini, Magic Man TJ Hill, Rosaire’s Royal Racers, Eudora Farms Exotic Petting Zoo, and Sealion Splash.

This year’s fair will feature a variety of carnival rides and games, live entertainment, exhibits, free shows, and food trucks.

The fair will also introduce its new carnival ride, the Autobahn.

Ready To Go Dog Show

The show showcases Frisbee dogs that are world champions, a diving dog that seeks thrills, and the highest box jumping dog in the world.

The show will also feature a world-class “meet and greet” where fans can get up close and personal with the four-legged stars of the show.

The dog shows start at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Lady Houdini

Kristen Johnson is a skilled escape artist known as Lady Houdini.

According to thegreatandersoncountyfair.com, she has successfully performed thousands of escapes, including breaking Harry Houdini’s record for most water escapes.

“Johnson is currently the only female anywhere in the world attempting the water torture cell,” according to the website.

Lady Houdini will perform from Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays at 4 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m.

Magic Man TJ Hill

According to thegreatandersoncountyfair.com, TJ Hill, also known as the Magic Man, has traveled around the country for over a decade, showcasing his exceptional blend of comedy and magic.

According to the website, “His close-up magic tricks, such as objects appearing in the most unexpected places, will leave attendees amazed and wondering how he does it.”

Catch Magic Man TJ Hill roaming around the fairground daily.

Rosaire’s Royal Racers

A group of racing pigs is touring the country. The pigs compete in various races, with the winners receiving prizes and recognition.

The Royal races will occur from Monday to Friday at 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.

Eudora Farms Exotic Petting Zoo

Attendees can view and pet animals such as giraffes, baboons, zebras, African serval cats, and Binturongs and enjoy camel and pony rides.

The petting zoo will be open daily during fair hours.

Sea Lion Splash

The Sea Lion Splash exhibit will be open at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Sea lions will balance on balls, catch rings, and perform gymnastic tricks.

According to thegreatandersoncountyfair.com, when the sea lions aren’t performing, they will be on display so everyone can view them as they swim and play in their natural habitats.

What to know to go to the fair

The hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Attendees cannot enter after 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday.

General admission is $10. Children age 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. The entry fee is free for children 10 years and under.

A $25 Mega Pass is available until May 1 and can be purchased online at thegreatandersoncountyfair.com.

According to thegreatandersoncountyfair.com, clear bags not exceeding 12″ x 6″ X 12″, small clutch purses, and clear plastic freezer bags up to 4.5″ x 6.5″ are allowed.

Diaper bags are permitted. However, they may be inspected for security purposes.

County Fair: Daily specials

On opening day, Thursday, May 2, attendees who donate five non-perishable food items per person to benefit Haven of Rest Ministries will receive free admission and unlimited rides for $20 per person.

Friday, May 3, is Senior Citizens Day, and for those 55 and older, admission is free, and unlimited rides are $25 per person.

Saturday, May 4, is Family Fun Day. Admission is free, and unlimited rides are available for $30 per person.

On Student Day, May 6, those 18 and under get in free and can enjoy unlimited rides for $20 per person.

Teacher Tuesday is May 7. All teachers get free admission with a valid school ID; unlimited rides are available for $20 per person.

College students with valid IDs get in free on college night, May 8. $20 per person for unlimited rides.

On Heroes Day, May 9, all active, reserve, or retired military veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, and healthcare workers with a valid ID get free entry and $20 unlimited rides per person.

On Friday, May 10, attendees can enjoy unlimited rides for $25 per person. Pay once and ride all day.

Saturday, May 11, is Family Fun Day. Admission and rides are free. Ride all day for $30 per person.

Sunday, May 12, is the “Last Blast” Mother’s Day Special, which all moms can enter for free. For $25 per person, attendees can enjoy unlimited rides.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.