Almost lost in the destruction of Hurricane Ivan last year was the fact that for the first time in 51 years the Butler County Fair, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, was cancelled. A horizon, usually alive with activity from everything to amusement park rides to booths selling cotton candy, candied apples, hot dogs and hamburgers, was bare and vacant in the days following Hurricane Ivan, something unheard of in a county where the fair has long been a welcome autumn tradition.

The county fair is not only a chance to enjoy a fun-filled night of thrilling rides and carnival games, but is also a place to socialize and actively participate in a community event and one that is sponsored by one of our most well-loved civic clubs - the Greenville Kiwanis Club.

The Butler County Fair opened on Tuesday and will run through Saturday, Oct. 1. Special nights include Wednesday's Senior Citizens' Night, in which all seniors, age 65 or over receive free admission; Thursday's Family Night, which allows attendees to ride all rides for the price of only $10; and Saturday's Kids Afternoon, where children ages 6-11 are admitted free from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and can ride all rides between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. for $8.

But rides aren't the only reason for going to the fair. There's also the arts and crafts and livestock exhibit, a youth rally on Wednesday night and gospel groups performing on Thursday evening. The Football Game of the Week will be broadcast live from the stage on Friday night.

This week, we encourage everyone to attend the Butler County Fair and welcome back the return of an annual fall event.