Cowboys, knights and clowns OH MY!

Multitalented performer Terry Fator may be stuck in Las Vegas this year, but the Permian Basin will continue its display of fair entertain­ment next week - and the acts that will be here rival the extraordinary.

A full array of festivities awaits the 33rd annual Permian Basin Fair and Exhibition from Sept. 5-13, and Fair Board President Carla Clark said the Ector County Coliseum and Fairgrounds is primed for the thrilling amusements and a few twists.

Commercial vendors will return to the Coliseum floor this year, but activity outside the building will grow with an expanded carnival and fair performances including concerts, thrill shows and animal acts.

The jousting tournaments in Knights of the Guild and a space needle stunt from the Amazing Anastasinis combines with 18 area bands to please fairgoers young and old.

"We have several really good acts coming in," Clark said. "It's everything from demolition derby to a rabbit show."

Competition will also be fierce in farming and ranching events, creative arts displays, talent shows and scholarship pageants.

Clark said the fair will award $33,000 in scholarships this year to area youth - one more reason for excitement.

"A lot of people don't realize that the fair is put on by 54 volunteers  - we don't have any full-time employees. And with the fair, most of the money stays right here in the Permian Basin - it's a fun filled time," she said.

WANT TO GO?
>> The 2008 Permian Basin Fair and Exhibition is Sept. 5-13 at the Ector County Coliseum and Fairgrounds, 4201 Andrews Highway.
>> Regular admission is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children 12 and under.
>> Children get in free on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
>> On Monday only, admission for adults is $5, $3 for seniors and children and carnival rides are $1.
>> Call the fair office at 550-3232.

WHEN IS IT?
Gates to the fair are open at the following times:
>> Sept. 5: 5 p.m. to midnight.
>> Sept. 6: 10 a.m. to midnight.
>> Sept. 7: Noon to 10 p.m.
>> Sept. 8: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
>> Sept. 9: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
>> Sept. 10: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
>> Sept. 11: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
>> Sept. 12: 5 p.m. to midnight.
>> Sept. 13: 10 a.m. to midnight.

WHAT'S ON STAGE?
Celebration Stage
>> Sept. 5: 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Flashback with Geno; 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., hypnotist Scott Ward.
>> Sept. 6: 12:30 p.m., Push Rod Rock, Blues and Country; 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., hypnotist Scott Ward; 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Cheap Sunglasses Band ZZ Top Tribute.
>> Sept. 7:
1 p.m., Cody Hughes Davidson Band; 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., Los Matadors Tejano; 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., hypnotist Scott Ward.

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