RISON - The 2025 Cleveland County Fair is in full swing this week with activities leading up to a rodeo Friday and Saturday night.As of press time Wednesday, most exhibits are being judged with the exhibit hall expected to be open around 2 p.m. this afternoon.According to Fair President Roy Phillips, the number of exhibitors has increased from the previous year. By Tuesday afternoon, the count had already passed a record high of 160 exhibitors, with more time left to enter.Livestock exhibits can still be entered Wednesday afternoon at 5 p.m.Entries are awarded ribbons, primarily blue for first place and red for second. Each ribbon earns a certain amount of points, generally 2 to 5 points.The total points are accumulated and then converted into prize money. The amount paid per point is based on the fair's budget, which is funded by premium money from the state.The amount of money paid per point is often about a dollar, but it can vary each year depending on the number of entries.Activities for the fair include a performance from the Kinders at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18 for students, followed by bingo from 6 to 8 p.m., and a movie night starting at 8 p.m. hosted by Rison FFA.Bingo will also be held again Friday, Sept. 19.A rodeo is also set for Friday, Sept. 19 and Saturday, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. with nightly entertainment and $4,100 in added money.While most activities at the fair are free to attend, there is an admission charge to the rodeo. Admission is $10 per person, ages 6 and up. Activities at the rodeo include mutton busting, junior breakaway, junior barrels, junior goat tying, ranch bronc, tiedown, ladies breakaway, ladies barrels, bull riding and team roping. Junior events are for age 15 and under. Mutton busters are 60 pounds or less. Books open at 6:30 p.m. nightly. For more information, call (318) 669-2249.This year’s rodeo is sponsored by FBT Bank, Evers Electric and Intern...
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