ROME TOWNSHIP — Think of it as a yearly pilgrimage-of-sorts, an annual displacement of Lawrence Countians paying homage to hard work, tradition and youthful achievement. The annual Lawrence County Junior Fair begins Saturday at the fairgrounds in Rome Township.

Lawrence County Fair Board President Doug Clark estimated that more than 30,000 people will walk through the fair gates this year. While entertainment is always a draw, the focal point of the week are the projects submitted by roughly 550 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) participants.

“Its a county tradition,” Clark said. “Our fair is about the kids. Without 4-H and FFA, it would be nothing but a sideshow, nothing but a carnival.”

The projects range from livestock to vegetable gardening to money management to photography.

The cost of getting through those gates is a bit higher this year. The admission fee is $8, an increase of a buck over last year.

The daily price for a parking space on the fairgrounds’ property is $5. Also this year, Thursday fair-goers will pay a $5 entertainment fee. This is to help pay for the cost of the music entertainment, country singer Terri Clark, who will perform at 8:45 p.m. that night.

The fair begins with Saturday with a 9 a.m. open horse show in the horse arena, followed by the llama show in the livestock arena. At 8 p.m. Sunday, the Wolf Creek Motocross will be in the grandstand.

The fair is one of the biggest collections of people in the county each year. In addition to the 4-H activities, the fair also serves as a huge community reunion.

It got a mention Thursday at the Lawrence County Commission meeting.

“Everyone come and have a good time,” Commissioner Doug Malone said, adding that pie and cake auction, usually a crowd favorite, is Monday night (6:30 p.m. at the livestock arena).

The fair continues through Saturday, July 18.