Pieced quilts and beef cattle. Cross-stitching, scuppernongs and cornbread.

Market hogs and bantam roosters, floral wreaths and fruit butter. Still-lifes, layer cakes, portraits, fig preserves, Nubian goats and sweet cucumber pickles.

These things and more will highlight the exhibits at next week’s Butler County Fair. The best will fetch a handsome cash prize — a total of $4,655 will be awarded in the arts and crafts categories, another $3,619 in agriculture, livestock and poultry.

A longstanding community tradition, the 54th annual event is presented by the Greenville Kiwanis Club in cooperation with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industry.

Held at the Butler County fair grounds Sept. 30 through Oct. 4, the fair features cash prizes for club and community exhibits in three divisions. Registration will be held this Sunday from 2-4 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Whether you’d like to show a pig named Wilbur, need to satisfy a sweet-tooth with fresh cotton candy, or just want to take the family out for a good time, the Butler County Fair offers a little something for everyone.

The week’s festivities kick off Tuesday night. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free for kids under 46 inches tall, $2 for kids under 60 inches and $6 for all over 60 inches.

New this year, a $12 armband can be purchased each evening for unlimited carnival rides (those with weak constitutions are encouraged to use common sense at the Tilt-A-Whirl).

The entertainment lineup includes Bill Brooks, Tuesday at 7 p.m.; Troy University Baptist Campus Ministry’s Christian youth show, Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.; music by Billy Studstill, Wednesday; radio broadcasting of high school football, Friday and ROSCO-WKXN, Saturday.

For more information, call Richard Branum at 371-2000.

Ashley Vansant is the publisher of The Greenville Advocate. He can be reached by e-mail at ashley.vansant@greenvilleadvocate.com, or by calling 382-3111.