By Linwood Outlaw III -- Daily Staff Writer

BERRYVILLE — A gospel show, demolition derby and concert featuring a renowned country music singer of "American Idol" fame are among events that will headline the 54th annual Clarke County Fair.

The fair will be held from Sunday to Aug. 16 at the Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds at 890 W. Main St. The event, which includes livestock exhibits, rides, and a slew of contests, draws as many as 30,000 visitors annually, said Bill Milleson, chairman for the fair.

"We'd like to think that every day has got something attractive," Milleson said.

Daily admission for adults is $5, while children ages 15 and under will be admitted for $2. Pre-schoolers will be admitted for free, Milleson said. Season tickets cost $15 for adults and $5 for children.

Organizers will also sell commemorative baskets with engraved plates for $40 during the fair.

The festivities begin Sunday with an opening ceremony featuring remarks from local officials and an appearance by the Clarke County High School band. The day will also feature the Junior Miss Clarke County Fair contest and Miss Clarke County Fair scholarship pageant.

Gates to the fair will officially open at 4 p.m. Monday. Events on tap for the day include the Little Miss Clarke County Fair contest, pig scrambles, and a performance by the Audio Outlaws at the grandstand.

Tuesday's slate will include sheep, rabbit and poultry shows in the morning and the traditional Figure 8 Demolition Derby beginning at 7 p.m.

Wednesday is senior citizen's and children's day, meaning adults older than 62 and youths 15 and under will be admitted for free until 5 p.m. Events on tap for the day include a pretty animal contest, chicken and rabbit parades, and the Interstate Truck and Tractor Pull.

On Thursday, fair organizers will hold the first-ever Gospel Night concert at the grandstand area at 8 p.m. The concert will feature performances by Jeff and Sheri Easter and The Lewis Family. Tickets for the show are $8 for track seats and $5 for grandstand seats.

"We've never done [a gospel show] before. We're looking forward to that," Milleson said.

Friday's schedule includes the Clarke County Ruritan Hunter Horse and Pony Show, a tractor-driving contest, livestock bowl and lawn mower race. A bull riding contest will also be held at 8 p.m.

The final day of the fair will wrap up with an 8:30 p.m. concert featuring country music singer Bucky Covington. Covington initially rose to fame as a contestant on the fifth season of the hit reality-competition show "American Idol." Tickets to the concert are $20 for grandstand seats and $25 for track seats. The demolition derby and the Western & Gaited Horse and Pony Show will also be held Aug. 16. All fair exhibits are to be picked up on Sunday.

Carnival rides will open at 6 p.m. daily, and visitors will be allowed to enjoy rides all day for one price on Tuesday and Thursday, fair organizers said. Reduced rates for rides will be offered from 2 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday.

For more information on the fair, call 955-1947 or 955-3755. For a full schedule of events and contest rules, visit www.clarkecountyfair.org.

* Contact Linwood Outlaw III at loutlaw@nvdaily.com