PHOTOS: The Amherst County Fair over the years
Here's a look back at the Amherst County Fair over the past nine years.
The fair returned to prominence in Amherst in the summer of 2018 and has been held each year since with the exception of 2020. In recent years it was held in October. The past two years it was held in early September.
Two youngsters enjoy a ride during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
Tammy Robinson helps Parker (last name not given) reach into the stall for a pet during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
Tristin Campbell enjoys a motorcycle ride during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
Performers with the Cincinnati Circus entertain the crowd during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
Knox (left) and Tripp Kidd (right) enjoy a motorcycle ride during the Amherst County Fair on Thursday.
Rides and games are set up at the Amherst County Fair on Oct. 19, 2023.
A view of rides at the Amherst County Fair on Oct. 19, 2024.
Animals were plentiful at the Amherst County Fair in 2024 and will be too at this year’s event.
ABOVE: Plenty of farm animals were on hand for the Amherst County Fair. BELOW: Kids enjoy the rides.
Children enjoy the livestock tent at the Amherst County Fair in 2024.
Randy Nixon, Amherst County’s director of recreation and tourism, drives a cart during the fair in the fall of 2024.
A view of the Amherst County Fair on Oct. 19.
A beautiful fall day at the Amherst County Fair on Oct. 19.
Landen Burks takes to the air at the Amherst County Fair on Oct. 19.
A view of farm equipment at the Amherst County Fair on Oct. 19.
Funnel cakes are sold by the Ferris wheel at the Amherst County Fair in this October 2023 file photo.
Attendees are seen on rides at the Amherst County Fair on Oct. 19, 2023.
Guests hold on tight on a ride at the Amherst County Fair on Thursday, Oct. 19.
Attendees ride swings in the air at the Amherst County Fair on Thursday, Oct. 19.
Guests wait to enter the Amherst County Fair on Thursday, Oct. 19.
Attendees walk by carnival games and food stands at the Amherst County Fair on Thursday, Oct. 19.
Attendees walk past a fariswheel at the Amherst County Fair on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022.
Attendees ride on a ride called “Cliff Hanger” at the Amherst County Fair on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022.
Attendees ride on a ride called “Cliff Hanger” at the Amherst County Fair on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022.
The Amherst County Fair included two fariswheel, rides, food vendors, a petting zoo, and more on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022.
People order from food vendor stands at the Amherst County Fair on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022.
LEFT: People order from food vendor stands at the Amherst County Fair on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022. RIGHT: Attendees look at animals during the Amherst County Fair on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022.
Naomi Dachis, left, plays a balloon popping game at the Amherst County Fair on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022.
The entrance to the Amherst County Fair on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022.
Corey Hepdern, front, and Hannah Springer ride an attraction at the Amherst County Fair on Oct. 20.
Cotton Candy is sold at the Amherst County Fair on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022.
Riders on the Super Shot show different reactions on the quick trip down during the Amherst County Fair.
Six-month-old Parker Anderson was too short to get on the rides, but that didn’t stop the youngster from enjoying the sights and sounds of the Amherst County Fair while being held by Summer Shiflett on Oct. 21.
There was plenty of room under the tents to eat the fair food so fairgoers could stay dry as rain fell on the Amherst County Fair.
The Cliff Hanger rotates on the fair grounds on the Amherst County Fair's opening night Thursday.
Cotton candy, candy apples and caramel corn were just a few of the many fair foods available at the Amherst County Fair.
Evan Dodge stays focused on the ring he tossed while trying to win a knife on Thursday at the Amherst County Fair. At left is Jennifer Dodge.
Evan Dodge tosses a ring in the Ring a Knife game while playing beside Jennifer Dodge on Oct. 21 at the Amherst County Fair.
After tossing darts in the balloon bust game, 7-year-old Mason Stecker won a stuffed monkey at the Amherst County Fair on opening night.
Jonathan Ramsey, left, and his son Chance won a blowup shark, two basketballs and other prizes at the Amherst County Fair.
The Full Tilt ride was among the most popular at the Amherst County Fair in 2019.
Lee Luther Jr./Nelson County times file photo
Fairgoers had plenty of hay to sit on and listen to the live music during the Amherst County Fair in August. The event was held Aug. 15-18 on Sweet Briar Drive near U.S. 29 Business in Amherst.
In this August 2019 file photo, Bobby Greene attempts to hang on to the bar for a prize during the Amherst County Fair.
John Edwards, left, and his granddaughter Chloe Edwards get their photos taken while standing behind farm animal cutouts during the Amherst County Fair in August.
Country music singer Gabby Barrett entertains the crowd at the Amherst County Fair while singing a song by Shania Twain on Aug. 17, 2019.
Daniel Doebler enjoys a ride at the Amherst County Fair in August. The fair will return this year in the third weekend in October.
Kinsley Tomlin, right, and Brantley Lawhorne enjoy a ride during the Amherst County Fair.
The Amherst County Fair lit up the sky for several nights in August 2019.
Sticky cotton candy was among the favorite snacks at the Amherst County Fair.
Event workers knock off puddles from the game tarps.
Hot stuffed peppers could be won along with other prizes.
Gray clouds rolled over the fair grounds dumping rain on the fairs first day.
The claw machine was the only game that could be played as rain poured down on the first day of the 2nd Annual Amherst County Fair held across U.S. Business 29 from Sweet Briar College. The fair offers rides and game for all ages along with plenty of food and live music.
A streak of lightning flashes near the fair grounds right at the time the event was slated to start.
The sun goes over the mountains during the Amherst County Fair in August 2018.
A scene from the Amherst County Fair in August 2018.
In this August 2018 file photo, Inea Martin, left, laughs at Keziyah Cabell at the Amherst County Fair.
Easton Follett, 7, of Amherst plays on a tractor at the Amherst County Fair on Aug. 17. Photo by Taylor Irby/For the New Era-Progress.
Easton Follett, 7, of Amherst plays on a tractor at the Amherst County Fair on Aug. 17, 2018.
Taylor Kane, 7, of Amherst rides a motorcycle ride at the Amherst County Fair on Aug. 17, 2018.
Ford Stafford, center, plays a fishing game as his father Kark Stafford looks on at the Amherst County Fair on Aug. 17.
Taylor Kane, 7, of Amherst rides a motorcycle ride at the Amherst County Fair on August 17. (Taylor Irby/For the New Era-Progress)
The Ferris wheel at the Amherst County Fair was among many rides with constant lines.
Inea Martin, left, laughs at Keziyah Cabell at the Amherst County Fair on August 17. (Taylor Irby/For the New Era-Progress)
Lights from food vendors shine during the Amherst County Fair on Aug. 17.
Alysha Cranmore, left, of Madison Heights collides with Jerilyn Becker, of Amherst, in a bumper car at the Amherst County Fair on Aug. 17, 2018.
People wait in line for snacks at the Amherst County Fair on Aug. 17, 2018.
Gatherers board a ride at the Amherst County Fair in August 2018.
Children play on an inflatable at the Amherst County Fair on August 17. (Taylor Irby/For the New Era-Progress)
In this August 2018 file photo, Reese Young, 2, tries to feed hay to a donkey as her father Nate Young, Amherst County's building official, looks on at the Amherst County Fair.
Children play on an inflatable at the Amherst County Fair on August 17, 2018.
People wait in line for snacks at the Amherst County Fair on August 17, 2018.
Rides at the Amherst County Fair on August 17, 2018.
Isaac Merson, 9, of Hagerstown, Maryland, sports a balloon cap as he poses for a portrait at the Amherst County Fair on August 17, 2018.( Taylor Irby/The News & Advance)
Reese Young, 2, tries to feed hay to a donkey as her father Nate Young looks on at the Amherst County Fair on August 17, 2018.( Taylor Irby/The News & Advance)
Ford Stafford, center, plays a fishing game as his father Kark Stafford looks on at the Amherst County Fair on August 17, 2018.( Taylor Irby/The News & Advance)
Taylor Kane, 7, of Amherst rides a motorcycle ride at the Amherst County Fair on August 17, 2018.( Taylor Irby/The News & Advance)
Easton Follett, 7, of Amherst plays on a tractor at the Amherst County Fair on August 17, 2018.( Taylor Irby/The News & Advance)
Shirley Childress, of Lynchburg, throws a dart at the Amherst County Fair on August 17, 2018.( Taylor Irby/The News & Advance)
Alysha Cranmore, left, of Madison Heights collides with Jerilyn Becker, of Amherst in a bumper car at the Amherst County Fair on August 17, 2018.
People board a ride at the Amherst County Fair on August 17, 2018.
A flag waves above vendors at the Amherst County Fair on August 17, 2018.
Kelly Glenn, of Lynchburg, hangs a painting stamped with apples at the Amherst County Fair on August 17, 2018.( Taylor Irby/The News & Advance)
Inea Martin, left, laughs at Keziyah Cabell at the Amherst County Fair on Aug. 17, 2018.
In this side-by-side image, Cincinnati Circus performers do a whip trick slicing a "flower" from its "stem" during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
Aria Riordan tries mutton busting during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
Rayden Rose goes mutton busting during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
Rayden Rose goes mutton busting during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
"The Wonder Wheel" spins during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
Aria Riordan (right) approaches her father Timothy after going mutton busting during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
People enjoy a spinning ride during the Amherst County Fair on Thursday on Sweet Briar Drive in Amherst.
A young mutton buster waits to see the next rider during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
People check out the booths and games during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
People enjoy a ride during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
Mason Blackwell tries mutton busting during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
"The Wonder Wheel" spins riders during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
People enjoy a spinning ride during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
People walk about during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
A calf drinks from its mother's udder during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
Griff Price tries mutton busting during the Amherst County Fair on Thursday.
People enjoy a ride during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
A wrestler leaps onto an opponent during the Amherst County Fair on Thursday, Sept. 10.
Cincinnati Circus performers do a whip trick slicing a "flower" from its "stem" during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
Performers with the Cincinnati Circus entertain the crowd during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
A Cincinnati Circus performer does the wheel of death during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
A Cincinnati Circus performer does the wheel of death during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
Cincinnati Circus performers do a whip trick slicing a "flower" from its "stem" during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
A Cincinnati Circus performer does the wheel of death during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
A Cincinnati Circus performer does the wheel of death during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
People hang on as a ride drops during the Amherst County Fair on Thursday.
A performer with the Cincinnati Circus twirls on a Spanish web during the Amherst County Fair on Thursday.
People walk about during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
A performer with the Cincinnati Circus twirls on a Spanish web during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
People walk about during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
A cow drools during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
Tripp (back) and Knox Kidd (front) enjoy a motorcycle ride during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
People walk around during the Amherst County Fair, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Matthew Perschall/The News & Advance)
Justin Faulconer
Reporter/Editor of Amherst New-Era Progress and Nelson County Times
Matthew Perschall
Photographer
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