Ed Greene almost lost a calf for the petting zoo.

But with the help of 10 boys searching the neighborhood surrounding the Lions Fair Park on West Dallas by bicycle, the calf was retrieved.

“I unloaded [the calves] and then one disappeared,” said Greene, president of the fair. “They found him and gave him to Mr. John [Haskell].”

The calves are some of the animals in the petting zoo at the 54th annual Central Alabama Fair.

The fair, held Oct. 4 – 9, is the main fundraiser for the Lions Club, a community-oriented service group.

“Without [patrons], we can’t do charity work,” said. John Haskell, fair manager. “Everything we make we give away.”

Previous recipients of proceeds from the fair have been the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the Lions Eye Foundation.

Each day at the fair offers something for all ages. From pageants to turkey calling, every personality and every generation is sure to find something to perk their interest.

“Don’t forget about the hot dog eating contest,” Green said. “That is a hoot.”

Citizens are also encouraged to enter in one, or more, of the 54 divisions of competitions in everything from canning and field crops to baked goods and needlework. All entries must be brought to the fairgrounds on Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

“The best thing about the fair is it’s fun,” Greene said. “The Ferris wheel is spinning, the rides are going, there’s the barnyard zoo and there’s exhibits to see.”

Monday is youth night plus a performance by bluegrass band The Grasshopper String Band of Alabama at 7 p.m.

Tuesday young women from the region will compete in the Miss Central Alabama Fair Beauty Pageant at 7 p.m.

Wednesday is kids day. Students in elementary, middle or high school will revive free admission from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Focus First Sight Foundation will also have free vision screenings from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. for children ages 6 to 12 years old. At 5 p.m., students from Meadowview Elementary and Cedar Park Elementary will perform.

Thursday is reduced admission and ride night. Also, Eddie Salter, award-winning turkey caller who is a member of the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame, will perform at 7 p.m.

Friday the fair will hold an adult hot dog eating contest at 6:30 p.m. and Water Avenue Baptist Church choir will perform gospel singing at 7 p.m.

Saturday is family day from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. The Tiny Miss Beauty Contest (ages 3 and 4 years old) will be at 2 p.m. and the Little Miss Beauty Contest (ages 5 and 6 years old) will be at 4 p.m. The youth hot dog eating contest will be at 6 p.m.

For more information about the Central Alabama Fair, call 872-6717 or visit www.centralalabamafair.com.