The Whitaker Bank Boyle County Fair is about to open, and it can use all the volunteers it can get. Plus, special attractions will include local American Idol contestant and country singer/songwriter Alex Miller singing one night, and for the first time in many years — racing pigs.

Miller is scheduled to sing the National Anthem at the beginning of the TNT Truck/Tractor Pull at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 17. Afterward, he will stick around to meet his fans, said Ryan Owens, chairman of the fair board. Owens has also been elected as Second Vice President of the Kentucky Association of Fairs and Horse Shows.

“The pig races are one of the older, true county fair events fairs held before the lights and sounds of the carnival,” Owens explained. “This is the first time in my 21 years (working with the fair) that we have had them at the Boyle County Fair.”

Owens said there are normally about 8 to 10 volunteers who work tirelessly to make sure there is a county fair every year. And during the week of the fair, they sure could use a few more hands. “You can never have enough volunteers to work. We can always use as many as we can get. We never turn away good, free help.”

Some of the things volunteers can help with include “Anything from picking up trash, to moving chairs around, helping with events, driving a pull off tractor on the pulling track, interviewing pageant girls, dealing with electrical issues — just about everything you can think.”

The “regular” volunteers, who spend months planning the fair attractions and making all of the arrangements usually work every night during the fair, Owens said. “Some of us work from 6 a.m. till 3 or 4 a.m. the next morning. It’s a long week with little sleep, but lots of fun in the sun and under the stars!”

He added, “We have developed a lot of friendships over the years doing this. We are very fortunate to have the group of volunteers we do, we are like a family!”

Owens said a lot of times when people volunteer to help put the fair on, “it gets in their blood.”

“Nothing is more satisfying after a week of hard back-breaking work to see the kids smile, whether it be showing a goat or getting off the merry-go-round. I’ve been involved for 21 years now and it’s great to be able to help put on a fun event for the community!”

He added, “Every now and then we get a ride pass for the carnival rides or something sweet to eat!”

Owens said they also will welcome teens to volunteer. “We will take everyone and anyone who wants to work and help out!”

To volunteer at this year’s county fair, people may email Owens at: monte_ryan@yahoo.com