Sam Hall, owner of Bourbon Hill BBQ, makes pulled pork nachos. (Photo by James Dobbs)

HARRISVILLE — The Ritchie County Fair kicked off its 2021 festival Friday with a meet and greet for first responders.

Pennsboro Volunteer Fire Department Captain Tyler White enjoyed the fair with his daughter and co-workers.

“The fair board invited fire (departments), EMS, law enforcement and DNR for appreciation and to show off the resources we have in the county,” said White.

Emergency vehicles were lined up for children to tour.

John and Robin Cook brought their grandsons Luke and Ayden Henry to the fair to enjoy the festivities. Robin said she took the boys to see the fair animals. The Cooks also took their grandsons on a fire truck tour where they got to see equipment like axes, chainsaws and masks.

Sweet corn roasts over a grill at the Ritchie County Fair. (Photo by James Dobbs)

The fair offered an abundance of food options from vendors like Bourbon Hills BBQ, a family-owned business out of Smithville. Sam Hall, the owner, works with his wife, Melissa. and their two sons, Sammy and Freddy. Sammy Hall said barbecuing has been a hobby of the family for several years. Hall made an Instagram for the business in January.

“I made it just for fun to start off with,” he said, talking about the Instagram page.

Bourbon Hills BBQ is quickly gaining followers, with over 2,000 in eight months.On Friday, Bourbon Hills sold barbecue platters of pulled pork, smoked chicken salad, ox roast, ribs, and pulled pork covered nachos.

The family plans to have Bourbon Hills BBQ continue popping up at festivals, with the next on their plate the Head For The Hills festival in Pennsboro.

The Ritchie County Fair continues Saturday. The schedule includes:

Ayden Henry, 5, left, and Luke Henry, 3, right, ride one of Myers Amusements carnival rides. (Photo by James Dobbs)

* 8 a.m.: Gates and Exhibits Open

* 9:30 a.m.: Overall youth showmanship

* 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Car show

* Noon: Magic show

* 1-5 p.m.: Carnival rides by Myers Amusements

Smithville Volunteer Fire Department celebrated First Responder Appreciation Day at the Ritchie County Fair. (Photo by James Dobbs)

* 1:15 p.m.: Youth livestock awards

* 1:30 p.m.: Youth livestock sale

* 2 p.m.: Magic show

* 4 p.m.: Magic show

* 4-5 p.m.: Space Jam characters meet and greet

From left, Robin Cook, Ayden Henry, 5, Luke Henry, 3, and John Cook, enjoy a nice day at the Ritchie County Fair. (Photo by James Dobbs)

* 5-11 p.m.: DJ Jack Horton of V96.9

* 6 p.m.: Roping contest at Bull Riding Arena

* 6-7 p.m.: Paw Patrol character meet and greet

* 6-11 p.m.: Carnival rides by Myers Amusements

* 7 p.m.: Championship bull riding

Jazmine Capicola poses between Bugs Bunny and Lola Bunny during the Space Jam character meet and greet Friday at the Ritchie County Fair. (Photo by James Dobbs)

* 8 p.m.: Exhibits released

* 11 p.m.: Fair closes

To find out more about the Ritchie County Fair call (304) 643-5200.

James Dobbs can be reached at jdobbs@newsandsentinel.com