The 2009 edition of the Freestone County Fair, which opens in less than two weeks, looks to be bigger than last year with 499 livestock entries on the books.

Because of growth in the annual event in all areas, fair commissioners are asking for additional volunteer help for the first time.

To volunteer, contact one of the fair supervisors— Hubie Fryer, grounds; Tony McAdams, livestock; Lisa Schick, parade; Pam Beene, home economics; Pam Chavers, mutton busting, stick bull riding and stick barrel racing; and Janie Whatley, rodeo.

County agent Nick Hoffman reports that livestock entries exceed the 2008 total by 25 animals and that there are 247 exhibitors, 13 more than last year.

Biggest livestock category is market goats, boasting 77 entries, followed closely by 75 entries in the breeding swine show.

Other breeding show totals are: beef, 46; goats, 48; sheep, 20; rabbits, 9; and horses, 37.

Rounding out the market show are: steers, 36; sheep, 42; swine, 60; rabbits, 38; and poultry, 11.

The fair officially kicks off at 7 p.m. Monday, June 15, with the parade through downtown Fairfield and continues until the carnival closes at midnight Saturday, June 21.

Highlights of the week are the Miss Freestone County and Miss Teen Freestone County pageants on Tuesday, youth rodeo Thursday, professional rodeos Friday and Saturday and the junior livestock sale Saturday morning.