After a one-year hiatus, the local county fair is back on track.

The 51st annual Kiwanis Butler County Fair is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 27 through Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Butler County Fairgrounds. Hurricane Ivan dealt a blow to organizers' plans last year.

With the county fairgrounds being used as a distribution center by the National Guard, the fair was cancelled in 2004.

Everyone is keeping their fingers crossed the weather will be cooperative this time around.

"We are hoping for a really good event this year. We'll have all the things folks look forward to at a county fair – the arts and crafts displays, the flower show, booths by schools and community groups, commercial exhibits, livestock exhibits," Kiwanian Richard Branum said.

Archway Amusements will once again offer an array of carnival rides and games to amuse, thrill and chill fair attendees.

Of course, there will also be candied apples, cotton candy and all the other tasty treats a county fair offers.

"We've already had lots of people calling, and we want people to know who to contact to get their questions answered," Branum said.

James Peavey is general manager for the 2005 Butler County Fair. He can be reached at 382-3057. Richard Branum is in charge of the commercial booths and can be reached at 371-2000. Contact Gerald Johnson at 382-2567 with questions concerning the arts and crafts displays. Barry Wood at 376-2376 is in charge of agriculture and livestock for the fair.

"We hope to see a lot of participation from across the county for a great fair in 2005," Branum said.