The rides are ready and waiting on the fairway, exhibitors are in place, and smells of corn dogs and funnel cakes are in the air because the Jones County Lions Club Fair is underway.

The local fair opened Tuesday, Oct. 9, and will continue until Saturday the 13th from 6-10 p.m. each night. Children under 6 are admitted free, and students ages 6 to 18 pay $2.00. All others pay $4.00 to get in the gate. Every night is Family Night, which means a $15 armband allows the wearer to ride until the gates close.

The annual event is held at the Lions Club fairgrounds located on Highway 18 East, about 1.5 miles from downtown Gray. The Lion’s Club has been bringing the fair to the community each year for 35 years, and Terry’s Rides once again presents an exciting midway that is fun for all ages.

One of the biggest attractions for Jones County’s fair is the food prepared by Lions Club members. The kitchen features home-cooked dishes in addition to the customary fare of candied apples and cotton candy offered on the midway.

The kitchen opens with the gates at 6, and the homemade offerings include Southern favorites, such as chicken and dumplings, black-eyed peas and cornbread, and a list of desserts, as well as burgers, hot dogs, and chili.



Proceeds of the fair are used by the Lions Club to help people in need in the community. The organization gives to the many people who have impaired vision, people who can’t afford glasses or eye surgery, or a guide dog.

The club also supports the community by giving to local causes, such as the Jones County Veterans Memorial and the Alzheimer’s Foundation, plus many other worthy charities.