NEWPORT-Cocke County A&I Fair will celebrate its 60th anniversary this year.

The fair, slated for Aug. 11-16, will feature a variety of activities, including a pleasure horse show, a demolition derby, a rodeo, a lawnmower pull, an antique tractor pull, beauty pageants, and various competitions.

Fair Manager Libby Strange said the fair association is looking forward to another successful year.

She pointed out this year many renovations have been made to the fairgrounds this year.

Modern Woodmen of America donated wood for the construction of a deck at the office. In addition, the roof of the building which houses of the office has been painted.

The agriculture, poultry, and commercial barns have been painted as have the show ring and concession stand. She pointed out the cattle barn wasn't painted because it was painted three years ago.

Electrical upgrades have also been completed, according to Strange.

"The horse arena now has a new electrical box, which should prevent any future problems with the lighting," she explained.

A new electrical box serves the agriculture and commercial barns, and the electrical plugs across the front of the fairgrounds have also been repaired.

"There has been a complete electrical upgrade of the fairgrounds, and we are ready to go," she said.

A concrete ramp for modeling has been added at Little Theatre to replace the wooden ramp used in the past. Blalock donated the concrete and Terry Stewart did the work, Strange said.

Strange said several people worked to make the fairground upgrades possible. She said Ronald Munn completed the electrical work, Willard Overstreet painted, and Habitat for Humanity donated paint.

She said speakers have also been donated to upgrade the sound system, and the fair association needs use of a bucket truck for the installation of the new equipment.

A $5,000 grant acquired with the assistance of State Rep. Eddie Yokley was used for the electrical upgrades, Strange pointed out.

"We'd like to thank everyone who has helped with the work and making the renovations possible," Strange said.

"We're looking forward to another great fair, and we encourage everyone to come out to the fair for a good time," she said.