JEFFERSON — Kids Day, filled with balloons, games, rides, prizes and plenty of sunshine, spelled a day of success Wednesday at the Ashtabula County Fair.
For the second day in a row, fair-goers carried cups of ice instead of umbrellas, jamming the midway and creating long lines to most of the rides.
“Welcome everyone to a beautiful fair day,” said Everett Helfer, fair board member and master of ceremonies at the Bubble Gum Blowing Contest. “You couldn’t ask for a better day.”
Helfer’s attitude reverberated across the fairgrounds as crowds of children, parents and grandparents poured through the gates for Kids Day. Children got in free and rode rides for only $4, while the sponsor of the day, The Star Beacon, gave away thousands of free balloons.
Lori Haffa of Williamsfield stood in line early in the day with three of her four children, waiting to buy the ride wristband. Her youngest child, a newborn, was at home, she said.
“The children are excited to see the animals and ride the rides,” Haffa said.
Seven-year-old Zoe Haffa said she wanted to ride the swings.
Once the rides opened at 11 a.m., movement along the midway slowed, as people seemed to be everywhere.
Britney Moyer, 12, of Ashtabula, stood in line for the UFO ride.
“It’s fun,” she said. “You stand up, and it goes around really fast, and you stick to the wall.”
Lynsey McClure, 11, of Andover, participated in many of Wednesday’s games for children, including the water-balloon toss.
“I almost won,” she said.
Shelby and Drew Morgan of Jefferson, ages 11 and 8 respectively, won the balloon toss and received coupons to Subway for their effort.
Madison resident Allie Deist, 8, took home a stuffed dolphin toy, thanks to some nifty balloon-popping with a dart.
Fair board secretary Darla Vargo said everyone is very happy with the attendance, so far. Tuesday opening day’s numbers skyrocketed to 3,058 paid admissions at the gate, she said.
“That’s higher than the last few years,” she said.
She credited the sunny weather. That number doesn’t count all of the 4-H members, advisers and concession stand operators who came to the fair, she said.
Local News
Sun shines for children on their day at the fair
- Local News
-
-
Six ready to interview for Buckeye’s super job
The Buckeye Local Board of Education will conduct interviews with six superintendent hopefuls next week, said Board President Jacqueline Hillyer.
-
Shooting suspect to be tried as adult
A 17-year-old will be tried as an adult in the school shooting deaths of three students, a juvenile court judge ruled Thursday after hearing a sheriff’s deputy describe how the teen wore a T-shirt with the word “Killer” and admitted shooting people.
-
Ohio EPA takes AIM at site of hazardous wastes
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency staff members returned this week to the site of the now-bankrupt Ashtabula Iron and Metal on West 30th Street to take samples of the unknown liquids and analyze hazardous wastes, asbestos and other potential health and environmental concerns.
-
Commissioners look at selling nursing beds
Commissioners have retained the services of a law firm that specializes in the sale of excess nursing home beds as the board looks at ways to raise additional revenues.
-
Conneaut looks at demolition funds
The city is making preparations to secure its share of nearly $692,000 in demolition funds expected to be Ashtabula County’s portion of a multi-billion dollar settlement with national mortgage lenders.
-
Volunteers get more help than needed at rescue spot
Despite their good intentions, Edward and Mary proved more hindrance than help to the Conneaut KeyBank employees lending a helping hand Thursday to a farm animal rescue operation in Kingsville Township.
-
220 graduate at Lakeside
Thursday night was a time of pomp, circumstance and smiles as 220 seniors graduated from Lakeside High School.
-
Lost money?
There is no map, and “X” may not mark the spot, but hundreds of Ashtabula County residents may have unclaimed cash ready and waiting for them through the Ohio Department of Commerce.
-
Lane to be tried as adult in Chardon High shooting
A 17-year-old boy will be tried as an adult in the school shooting deaths of three students, a juvenile court judge ruled Thursday.
-
Happy Hearts School holds commencement for its Class of 2012
As commencement exercises go in Ashtabula County, the one at Happy Hearts School was small, with just five students.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Six ready to interview for Buckeye’s super job
