A “Greatest Grandparent” contest, more free parking, an American Idol entertainer, well-known Christian groups, wrestling and a chance to be an individual sponsor are among the attractions of this year’s Union County Fair.

Fair executive director Paul Winters addressed Tuesday’s meeting of the Union Rotary Club and gave an update on the fair, which will be held Oct. 20-24. Winters pointed out that the fair is celebrating its 101st anniversary.

“The theme is ‘The tradition continues — where families meet’ Winters said.

Reithoffers will again bring the rides. Winters said fair officials have been satisfied with the quality of rides the company brings, including a huge ferris wheel.

The fair opens on Oct. 20, “Super Tuesday” with advance ride tickets and gate admission for $15.

Winters said he has been working with businesses in the area around the fair to secure more free parking, including at Provident Community Bank, Paradise Home Center and the West Town Plaza parking lot. These parking lots will be monitored, he said.

Boo Boo the clown, who was schooled with Ringling Brothers Circus, will be among the attractions, along with The Tams and the an Dangs.

Wednesday is Senior Citizens Day. The Union County Recreation Department will sponsor a program and lunch beginning at noon.

Church night, sponsored by McDonald’s of Union, begins at 5 p.m. Participating churches will distribute arm bands the Sunday before the fair. Winters said in 2008, 8,000 arm bands were distributed and churches ran out. This year, 10,000 have been printed.

The featured speaker will be former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Chris Sheppard.

Local gospel group Serenity takes the stage at 6 p.m. Gold City performs beginning at 6:30 p.m. and Mandisa, who was a Top 12 performer on American Idol three years ago, will sing beginning at 9 p.m.

“What we are looking for on church night is to have an appeal to different groups,” Winters said. “Gold City will appeal to the older crowd, Mandisa to the younger crowd.”

The Mighty Disciples perform beginning at 9 p.m., Union native D.C. Riggs (Donnie Cohen) sings beginning at 10 p.m.

Advance ride all ride tickets will be sold for $12; they are $15 at the gate.

Thursday will be Industry Day with industry tickets good for all rides which can be purchased for $10 in advance. Winters said any Union County business may participate in Industry Day.

In the arena, a wrestling exposition from American Pro Wrestling will be held Thursday beginning at 9:30 p.m. There will be six bouts that will include male, female and midget wrestlers.

Friday is School Day, with the gates opening at 3 p.m. Those with school tickets are admitted free until 6 p.m. There are opportunities for ride all ride tickets that cost $12.

On stage will be Troubled Town (Freddie Vanderford), Southern Thunder Band and Blackberry Wine Band. On Saturday, Oct. 24, the “Greatest Grandparent of Union County” award ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. with Union County native and WSPA-TV personality Jack Roper as the master of ceremony. Winters said he had been working with Union County Schools assistant superintendent Dale Goff to organize the essay contest, which will be open to students in four age categories, from kindergarten to high school.

Winters also gave some facts about the fair, including that it is a self-supporting entity and receives no tax money. County council oversees the fair and appoints board members.

One advantage for the fair is that the county owns the property.

“That is really the backbone of why our fair has been around since 1908,” he said. “There are a lot of surrounding counties who no longer have county fairs. A lot of times they lose their land lease or their land was sold. We are fortunate to have our beautiful facility.”

Winters said “Friend of the Fair” sponsorships are available for $100. These sponsors will receive two free VIP passes for the week, free VIP parking, VIP seating during the church night concert, one pay one price ride arm band good for any day or time and two tickets to the premier night banquet and program.