Beginning Wednesday night, Aug. 31, the 76th Annual Maries County Fair kicks off with four days of entertainment in Vienna.

Wednesday night will highlight local youth in a cheering performance beginning at 6 p.m., followed by the Little Mister and Miss Contest, the Junior Princess Pageant, and the Queen and Princess Pageant. 

Thursday night is music night. The carnival rides open from 5 to 11 p.m. A season pass covers all rides on the midway. The music begins with a performance by The Redemptions on the Main Stage at 6:30 p.m. The Redemptions are a vocal trio from the St. Louis area who sing traditional, progressive and southern gospel music. The fair’s headliner performance is on Thursday at 8 p.m. when Michael Ray takes the stage. He has a number of hit songs country music fans will recognize and enjoy. 

Friday is agriculture day at the fair with the hog, lamb, goat, bucket calf and cattle show for local 4-H and FFA members starting at 8 a.m. It’s a big fair day with food trucks, beer garden, exhibits, carnival rides and the 4-H and FFA awards and the livestock auction, which begins at 6:30 p.m. The Truck & Tractor Pull of the Southern MO Association begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Motor Complex. 

Saturday is a big day. It begins with the livestock open show at 8 a.m. A crowd of people come to town for the parade, which begins at 11 a.m. The carnival rides open at noon, then more fun follows with the Mid-Mo Cornhole Tournament at the Motor Complex. There is plenty for the kids to do in the afternoon with the kiddie tractor pull, sawdust trial and greased pig chase. On Saturday night, there is a power wheel derby and Demolition Derby starting at 7 p.m. There will be a DJ Dance Party at 10 p.m. until the fair closes for 2022. 

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights there will be a drawing for the winner of the cash on a 50/50 raffle. 

See you at the fair!