Almost overnight the “skyline” of the Pike County countryside changed.

The Pike County Fair came to town Monday and, with it, came the towering carnival rides that brighten the night sky and bring smiles to big-eye babies and blue-haired ladies.

James Henderson, fair manger for the sponsoring Troy Shrine Club, said the midway of the 2009 Pike County Fair offers thrills for all and chills for many.

“We have one of the best midways of any county fair,” Henderson said. “The Dixie Land Carnival Company is owned and operated by Bill and Stacey Tucker. It’s a family business and the midway is a family affair. There’s something for everybody.”

So, whether one is a member of the Screamer-generation or the cotton candy gang, there is plenty to do and see at the Pike County Fair, which gets under way at 6 o’clock tonight at the Pike County Fairgrounds on Highway 231 south of Troy.

“We’re expecting a good crowd each night and we know everyone will have a lot of fun,” Henderson said. “Dixie Land Carnival Company has a variety of rides and they’ve brought back two rides that were very popular last year, the Fire Ball and the Ring of Fire. And, they have a couple of new rides this year that are ‘exciting.’”

Stacey Tucker said the new rides offer thrills and chills to those who enjoy the more adventuresome rides.

The Orbiter has buckets that spin, really spin, as the ‘orbiter’ spins higher and higher as it moves into ‘orbit.’ “The Orbiter is a fast and exciting ride,” Tucker said. “And, we have the Screamer which is a towering ride, about 60 feet high, that’s similar to the Bullet except much higher.”

And, for those not-so-brave-hearted, there are rides like the Ferris wheel and the Tilt-a-whirl. And, for the little kids, there are boats, cars, the kiddy train and, everybody’s favorite, the Merry Go Round.

Inside the Fairgrounds Hall, there are exhibits of fruits, vegetables, canned goods, photography, needlecraft, woodworking, plants, arts and crafts and booths from local businesses and non-profit organizations. Down in the barn, visitors can view the entries in the livestock and poultry competitions. There will be special entertainment nightly at the Pavilion. At 6:30 tonight the Broken Strings Bluegrass Band will perform. Wednesday will feature Johnny Barron and the Waterfall (7:30), Thursday, SheBANG (6:30) and the Pike County Schools String Band Showcase (8 p.m.), Friday, Johnny Barron and Waterfall (7:30) and Saturday, The Classics (7:30).

“We’ve got it all and we hope that everyone will come out and enjoy the fun and excitement of the Pike County Fair,” Henderson said. The Pike County Fair will open nightly at 6 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults (12 and over) and $4 for children, ages 6-11. Children under 5 are admitted free. Children with tickets, which were distributed at local schools, are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Student night is Wednesday.

Armbands are available nightly for $15.