The Jackson County Free Fair is under way with exhibitors, various events and competitions at the fairgrounds. Mitzi Pate, FCS/4H educator with the Jackson County OSU Extension office, is seen here putting out ribbons for the open class events. The public is invited to come out and view the exhibits starting at 3 p.m. today. At 5:30 p.m. today will be the judging of the poultry and rabbits; there will be a turtle race at 5:30 p.m; a Youth Talent Show from 6 to 7:30 p.m. with a special appearance by Miss Altus Outstanding Teen 2010, Ashley Wheeler; and from 7:30 to 9 p.m. the FFA and Open Senior Youth Farm Hand Olympics will be held. Friday’s events includes a tractor driving contest in the rodeo parking lot at 8:30 a.m.; children's tour and games from 9 a.m. to noon; Kevin Law’s Border Collie demonstration at 9 a.m.; a karate demonstration at 10:15 a.m.; military working dogs at 11 a.m.; a turtle race at 5:30 p.m.; the sheep show from 6 to 7:30 p.m.; and the swine show at 7:30 p.m. The Adult Talent Show will also be held Friday from 8 to 10 p.m. with a special appearance by Miss Altus. The 4-H and Open Junior Youth Farm Hand Olympics will be held at 8:30 p.m.

Altus Times photo by Michael Bush