The Catoosa County Fair is less than two months away, and organizers are scurrying to pull together all the final details.

Sponsored by the Ringgold Kiwanis, Catoosa County Foundation for the Performing Arts and Northwest Georgia Bank, the event is Oct. 26-30 at Benton Place.

“This is going to be an old time county fair,” said Dee Bridges, general manager of the Colonnade. “We are going to have exhibits for your can goods, textile items and painting. There will be a judged exhibit, and ribbons will be awarded.”

She said categories will be announced at the end of September and all items to be judged must be dropped off at the Colonnade Oct. 25 from 1 -8 p.m.

Jon Luerhs’ Spectacular Attractions will provide the midway again this year with over 20 rides.

According to Ron McKelvy, president of the Ringgold Kiwanis, planning is still underway and many of the details will be finalized in the coming weeks.

“I think the key is to make this an event involving all the community,” he said. “We are a service organization that helps youth, and putting on the fair gives the kids an outlet for wholesome entertainment. With the community in mind, the events throughout the week help add to the quality of life in Catoosa County.”

McKelvy said he wants to see Catoosa’s local businesses setting up booths at the event and participating through sponsorships.

Bridges said while all fairs are tailored with children in mind, planners are making a special effort to make Saturday “child friendly.”

Among the events planned are appearances by area school bands, Family Gospel Night sponsored by Ringgold Telephone Co., a car show, a motorcycle show, arts and crafts booths and a Catoosa Foundation for the Performing Arts production of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

Cindy Black is coordinating the car show Saturday from 9 a.m.-noon.

“We are looking forward to a great turn out of car enthusiasts for our event,” she said. “We want to invite anyone with a classic or antique automobile to be a part of this event.”

She said the top three automobiles will receive awards through a people’s choice competition. For registration information, call 935-2621.

Tracey Foster, community action team chairperson, said that the Catoosa Family Collaborative, Catoosa County Schools and Catoosa Citizens for Literacy will sponsor a Ferst Books booth at the fair.

“We will be there trying to register as many children as possible for our program,” Foster said. “We will do face painting, have animal balloons and do hair painting.”

For information on arts and crafts booth rental or the Miss Catoosa County Fair pageant, call 935-9000 ext.101