ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — It’s been a staple of life in Baldwin County since 1948, and the 58th edition of The Baldwin County Cattle and Fair Association's fair is set to launch on Tuesday, Sept. 23.

Actually, that’s not quite right. Exhibitors and booth holders can begin setting up on Friday, Sept. 19 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Monday, Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The fair will be open from 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday. The Myers International midway will be open until at least 11 p.m.

The fair has had a long history, says Melinda Hankins, one of the fair's organizers. And it changes with the times.

“It’s the oldest county fair in Alabama,” said A.B. “Sonny” Hankins, the fair’s manager. “It used to be an example of what local farms produced canned goods, and activities for families. Today, the fair promotes agriculture, and shows people where their food comes from. We want families to come and have fun. We have a circus coming and ‘Skin and Bones’ who will perform for the younger crowd.”

This year marks the first year that the fair is settling into its new quarters at the Baldwin County Coliseum. The building offers 38,000 square feet of air-conditioned exhibit space and a 79,000 square foot arena for outdoor events.

The new location, on Fairground Road (formerly Berner Road) off State Highway 59, near Robertsdale High, was constructed using money from the Baldwin County Cattle and Fair Association, FEMA and the Baldwin County Commission.

When the facility is not hosting the annual fair, it serves as the county’s newest storm shelter, and has served as the site of several civic events. Sonny Hankins estimates that 50,000 people will come to the 2008 edition of the fair.

“The fair isn’t the only event here,” said Sonny Hankins. “This facility is going to be used year-round. It (the new facility) has really broadened our scope. We have the largest outdoor covered arena in the south east.”

Sonny’s father was one of the original founders of the fair, and Sonny joined the organization in 1958.

“The reason we do it,” said Sonny, “is tradition, but we look forward to meeting old friends and making new ones.”

Both Hankins recall going to the fair as children.

“My favorite thing about the fair,” said Sonny, “is that there is something in the atmosphere that brings out the child in everybody. You see the animals, eat fair food, and learn a few new things.”

While the Hankins are the most public faces of the fair, there is a board of directors that works constantly to make the annual event a success. They are: George Campbell, F.B. Ellison, A.B. (Sonny) Hankins, Samuel Jenkins, H.L. (Buddy) Long, Elmer McDaniel, Robert (Bob) McMillian, Neil McMillan, R.W. (Ronnie) Northcutt, James A. (Jimmy) Racine, and honorary member Alec A. (Tumpsie) Trione.

The “creative arts” exhibits will be in the Coliseum, while the “barn yard” exhibits will be in the arena area.

The Hankins differ on their favorite aspects of the fair. Melinda likes seeing the creative arts section, where people can show off everything from fancy sewing to photography while Sonny likes seeing the livestock and the agricultural displays. Both know that the midway with its delicious fair food is a treat for both old and young. New this year will be a seating area inside the coliseum that will allow patrons to enjoy their food in air-conditioned comfort.

In fact, the enclosed and climate-controlled area, something the Hankins say they haven't had before, will encourage more craftspeople to come out, secure in the knowledge that their hand-made treasures won't get dusty and soiled from other fair events, Melinda Hankins believes.

“We are going to have a display a ‘Heritage Room’ a one-room cabin to show people how the first settlers (in Baldwin County) lived,” said Melinda Hankins.

Agriculture still plays a big part in Alabama’s economy. According to a published letter from Ron Sparks, the state’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, “… Farming is still Alabama's #1 industry with poultry, Cattle, and calves, and greenhouse, sod and nursery products serving as our top three farm commodities.”

When the fairgrounds open Sept. 23, the theme will be “Salute to Agriculture Day.” The big attraction will be that this day is “pay one price” day, with all those over 36 inches tall able to purchase a pass that will enable them to ride all the midway rides for just $10.

“This is a first for us,” said Melinda Hankins. Wednesday, Sept. 24 is “Students and Senior Citizens Day.” Senior citizens will be admitted free of charge from 4 to 6 p.m. that evening, and Melinda Hankins says discount coupons have been distributed to students at area schools.

The Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the fir promises to be just as exciting, with rodeo events courtesy of Bo Campbell Rodeo Productions, and a variety of exhibits. A complete list of events was in last week’s editions of Gulf Coast Newspapers.

“Let me tell you a secret,” chucked Sonny Hankins. “It’s not dangerous to ride a bull. Until of course, you get off.”