HERALD STAFF REPORT
PALMETTO — Set-up of the midway has begun for the 11-day Manatee County Fair, which swings into action in six days.

From the looks of things at the northwest Palmetto site, the 2009 fair shouldn’t be affected by America’s economic downturn. Gate tickets will be sold for between $2 and $7. Children 5 and under are free.

As has been the case at the current location since 1951, fair queens are to be crowned, steers are to be sold, country bands are scheduled to crank up in the big tent, and corn dogs will be consumed in quantity from next Thursday at 5 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 25, at 6 p.m.

Jeff Blanton holds up a part of The Dark Ride for assembly.

Most days, the midway run by Belle City Amusements Inc. will accept thrill seekers from noon to midnight. An armband for the midway costs $18 to $20.

Early in the proceedings, Fair Queen Katy Kopstad will give up her crown to the 2009 beauty.

Some of the key dates and times for animal events are:

The Dairy Show on Friday, Jan. 16, at 7 p.m.

The 4-H and FFA Youth Swine Show and Sale, Saturday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m.

The FNGLA Youth Plant Show and Sale on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 6 p.m.

The Dog Show on Sunday, Jan. 18, at 1 p.m.

The Goat Show on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m.

The Steer Showmanship Show on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 6 p.m.

The Steer Show on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 6 p.m.

The 4-H and FFA Youth Steer Show Sale on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 2 p.m.

Photos by TIFFANY TOMPKINS-CONDIE/ttompkins@bradenton.com Rick Pegus works to get the Scorpion set up in the ride area of the

The Manatee River Fair Association and hundreds of volunteers will put on the fair — as it has since after World War II.

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