The 30th annual Walker County Fair is under way — unofficially.

Hundreds of youngsters and parents from throughout the county signed up for various projects for the 2008 fair during the Kickoff Jamboree on Monday evening at the fairgrounds.

Huey Campbell, who is in the second of a two-year term as fair association president, said the Jamboree gives association officials the chance to outline new rules and requirements and field questions from parents and participants.

“We let the youngsters know what is coming up for the year, what we expect from them and what they should expect from us,” Campbell said. “Some of the kids out here are signing up for 4-H and some are signing up for projects.

“This allows us to hand out the new rules for all the categories, whether it be livestock or whatever exhibit they are dealing with.”

The fair offers nearly 20 different categories for competition.

Campbell said more than 400 youngsters participate in the county fair each year, and if Monday evening’s turnout is any indication, there will be another large group of participants when the fair begins in late March and continues into early April.

“All of the kids won’t show up tonight,” Campbell said. “They know it’s not mandatory. For their work hours, we give them one hour credit tonight just to show up. The ones here will get as much information tonight as they can.”

Brenda King, one of six fair association vice presidents, said this first meeting for the fair helps get information to children and parents about the many events and competitions slated for next year’s fair.

“Kids go to all the different projects tables and get the information for the coming year,” King said.

King said a record-number were on hand for the first meeting.

“Last year I ran off 500 (brochures) and that lasted us all year,” she said. “This year I ran 500 and we ran out. That’s more than we’ve ever had here.”

Individual tables provided information on the fair’s many different competitions, projects and events.

“We’re manning enrollment for different project clubs here today,” said County Extension Agent Reggie Lepley. “There are other tables for individual fair projects. The kids sign up and get their official rules and lists of activities.”

Lepley said the fair not only provides prizes and recognition, but a lesson in responsibility.

“The best thing they get out of participating in the fair is life skills,” Lepley said. “They learn responsibility, time management and many other skills they can use for the rest of their lives.”

Darryl Dyer, chairman of the steer competition, said more than 30 contestants had already signed up to compete in one of the fair’s most popular events.

Marjetta Spriggs, chairwoman of the fair queen’s contest, said more than 13 entries had already been placed for the pageant.

In addition, Campbell said the fair association’s Halloween carnival will be held Oct. 31 at the fairgrounds.

Other fair association officers are Dr. David G. Moorman, secretary; Carol Smith, treasurer; Cindy Pierce, immediate past president; Larry Brown, Dr. Bobby Lane, Kay King, Brenda King, Kevin McKenzie and Ann Christian, vice presidents.

Item News Editor Robbie Byrd and Staff Writer Kristin Edwards contributed to this report.