DECATUR - Fairs are steeped in tradition.

Familiar features are a big part of the annual events, and the Decatur-Macon County Fair is no exception.

But this year's edition, which began Monday night with the Parade of Princesses and Junior Miss Pageant, came close to losing one of its highlighted events.

The queen pageant had only three contestants a week before the June 1 entry deadline, putting it in jeopardy. That number increased to seven just two days before the deadline.

"I've never had it get to the amount where we've even considered cancelling (the pageant)," said Melissa Muirheid, pageant director.

The pageant will be held at 7 p.m. today.

Reigning Queen Emily Beck shared a few possible reasons for the low turnout.

"Some of the girls that I competed with could be too old (for the age requirement), and being queen takes up a lot of time that some of the girls may be putting toward other extracurricular activities," Beck said.

In addition to the queen contest and other traditional favorites, this year's fair includes some new attractions.

This year, fairgoers get to hear two nights of music at the Grandstand, instead of just one.

The first night of music on Friday will feature "Chance" and "Confederate Railroad." The second set of concerts Saturday will present "House of Nasty," "Bullet Boys" and "Firehouse."

Shows begin at 7 p.m. each day. Tickets are $10 in advance at the fairground office, all Hickory Point Bank locations and Coziahr Harley-Davidson/Buell in Forsyth. The cost is $15 the day of the show.

Also new to the fair is the Decatur Memorial Senior Health Fair. The health fair offers free health screenings, free fairground tours and a Golden Anniversary Celebration.

Returning this year is Bwana Jim and his alligators, armadillos, birds and other amphibians.

"The kids really like to see that stuff," said fair Director Raymond Wildman. Bwana Jim is running daily at the fair, June 10 to 15, at various times. His first show is 5:45 p.m. today.

Also returning this year is the carnival, which opens at 5:30 p.m. today. The rides and related attractions will begin at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 3 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The Eisenhower High School show choir, Elite Energy, will assist with parking. Cost for parking is $2 after 4 p.m. through Friday and after 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

"I'm hoping for a really good turnout," Wildman said.

Kristy Mellendorf can be reached at 421-6977 or kmellendorf@herald-review.com.