MATEWAN - The 61st Magnolia Fair, a yearly favorite for many Tug Valley residents, will begin Monday, Aug. 2 rather than July 31. The fair had previously been rescheduled to start July 31, but had to be changed to the original start date.

The Magnolia Fairgrounds are located about a half of mile north of Matewan High School on Route 49 and the ten-acre property will soon be filled with rides, food, music, and fun as the beginning of the annual fair draws near. The land was donated to the town for the purposes of the fair by the Mingo County Commission.

This year’s incarnation of the Magnolia Fair offers over 20 rides, live music, and dozens of food, novelty, and arts and craft vendors, but the event’s main attractions are the bands and musicians that will be performing at 9 p.m. nightly.

Monday’s concert is led by Restless Heart; Tuesday's performance will feature Little Texas; Blackhawk will perform at Wednesday's concert; Gospel artist Michael Combs will perform for fairgoers Thursday night and on Friday, the newly added West Virginia group, Taylor Made will round out the fair’s live entertainment.

All performances will be held inside the large structure on the fairground property which can hold approximately 500 people. The back of the structure will be opened so the music can be heard while enjoying the fair's other various activities. Fairgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for the concert.

Bringing back an old favorite from years past, the Magnolia Fair will feature a Homemaker's division this year, showing off canned goods, sewing and needlework, crafts, and art from local residents. Registration for the Homemaker's division will be Monday, Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the newly built structure near fairgrounds' main gate.

The fair will play host to two beauty pageants held Monday, Aug. 2 and Tuesday, Aug. 3. Monday’s pageant will be the “Baby Miss” pageant for newborns to 23-month-olds with the “Young Miss” for ages 2 to 9 years old held on Tuesday. Registration forms for the pageants can be picked up at A & A Auto in Matewan, R.C.’s Country Store in Buskirk, Ky., or from Heaven Sent in the South Side Mall in South Williamson, Ky.

Admission to the fair is $10 and includes all rides and musical performances. Gates open at 6 p.m. nightly from Aug. 2 to Aug. 7.