POINT PLEASANT — Everyone loves a parade.

And it is once again time for the Mason County Fair Parade.

The parade, which is slated for Saturday, Aug. 8, will serve as a kick-off to the 2009 Mason County Fair. The parade will start at noon, and the route will begin at the Point Pleasant Register office, located on the corner of Second and Main Streets, and end at the Mason County Board of Education offices at 11th Street.

This year’s parade will feature floats from various groups, organizations and clubs. In addition, the parade will feature the 2008 Mason County Fair Queen Katrina Keefer as well as candidates vying for the 2009 Mason County Fair Queen title. Visiting royalty also will take part in this year’s parade. Those interested in taking park in the parade may call Brian Billings at 304-675-6633 or 304-675-2360; Kevin Durst at 304-675-5415; Shayla Blackshire at 304-895-8830 or the fair office at 304-675-5463.

Following Saturday’s parade, the 2009 Mason County Fair will officially begin 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 10. Several events are on tap for the day, including the Youth 4-H Horse Show, start of the Mason County Fair Idol competition, the market hog showmanship and market hog show, Little Mister and Miss Mason County pageant and the Mason County Fair Queen pageant. In addition, the carnival will open 1 p.m. Monday.

The rest of the fair schedule looks to be booked as well with a variety of animal shows, games and entertainment. Saturday’s concert from headlining act Diamond Rio will close this year’s fair.

Fair passes are still available, and are on sale at various businesses around the county. Cost of the pass is $25 and includes admission to the fairgrounds for all six days of the exposition. Carnival rides are not included in the cost of the season pass, but those who have a season pass can purchase a daily ride stamp for $5. In Point Pleasant passes are available at the Cooperative Extension Office, Foodland, Fruth Pharmacy, Southern States, Peoples Bank-Main Street Branch, Peoples Bank-North Branch, BB&T, Ohio Valley Bank, Farmers Bank, City National Bank and S&S Food Mart.

Passes also are available in Mason at Bob’s Market and Greenhouses, Farmers Bank and City National Bank. In New Haven, fair passes are available for purchase at Health Aid Pharmacy, Vines & Roses and City National Bank.

General admission tickets are $7 Monday through Thursday and $8 Friday and Saturday. The general admission cost includes carnival rides.

For more information, visit www.masoncountyfairwv.org.