Fair play

Every August, the grounds of James Monroe’s Highland come alive with young farmers leading their cows, pigs, goats, and chickens around a ring, in hopes of wowing a panel of judges. But the popular livestock demonstrations aren’t the only place to shine at the Albemarle County Fair. New this year: a giant sunflower competition and a country-themed pageant, where girls from newborns to age 12, clad in either their Sunday best or something they’d wear around the farm, earn sashes for their efforts. And as always, the fair includes a variety of fiercely fought agriculture competitions, everything from pumpkins, figs, and okra to honey, hay, and Mr. and Mrs. Potato and Veggie Heads, as well as awards for best pies, cakes, jams, pickles, jerky, and dozens of others. Visitors will also find plenty of food trucks, live music, historical demonstrations, art and craft exhibits, and more. Bonus: Admission is still only $5, and children under 6 get in for free.