JEFFERSON —
The Ashtabula County Fair attendance is officially up so far this year thanks to great weather, more animals and new shows.
On Tuesday, opening day, 2,790 people paid to get into the fair — nearly double last year’s totals, fair board secretary/treasurer Darla Vargo said, noting that doesn’t count vendors, 4-H’ers and exhibitors,.
“We had 769 seniors, compared to 422 last year,” she said. “We had a good turn out for motocross (in the evening),” she said.
The Holstein Club, known for its delicious milkshakes and cheese sandwiches, had its best day ever in the history of the club, Vargo said.
“We are getting off to a great start,” she said. “We are excited.”
With the temperature hitting the mid-80s, the “ice-cold lemonade” stands are busy, said Josephine Workman, 19, of Andover, who works at the stand by the cattle barn.
“We were real busy for a long time (Tuesday),” she said.
Wednesday was Kid’s Day and children ages 14 and younger got in free all day.
The sunny skies and heat on the midway made the noon-time water balloon toss a big hit. Mark Catron, 8, and Oriana Long, 9, of Ashtabula, won with a splash.
Karlee Stainfield, 10, of Jefferson, stood in line over and over again to ride the Tilt-A-Whirl with friends.
“It’s really fun,” she said.
Megan Hill, 11, of Jefferson, took a break from the heat to tour the new poultry and small animal barn. She liked the interactive activities the barn provided, as well as seeing all the rabbits, chickens and turkeys.
In the MAC Arena, folks gathered to see the market turkey judging. Judge Larry Lokai flipped, flopped and stroked the birds to find the champions.
“These are very desirable turkeys,” he said. “I’m the kind of judge that has to handle the bird.”
Casey Hall took home the Best of Show award; Anneliese Marrison won Reserve Best of Show.
Fans hoping to see country artist, Jake Owen, perform on stage Friday in front of the grandstand should not delay in getting their tickets, said Kathy Maple, who works in the fair office under the grandstand.
Well known among country music fans, Owen was named New Male Vocalist of the Year by the Academy of Country Music in 2009.
“He’s very popular; I wouldn’t wait until Friday,” she said. “We are almost sold out.”
The grandstand seats 2,200 people, plus there will be chairs on the race track. Seating will be first-come, first-serve. Cost is $10.
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