By Sherry Larson
People’s Defender
“Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories…” (An Affair to Remember). There will be plenty of warm memories for those who attended the Adams County Fair last week. For the most part, the weather was warm and at least partially sunny, giving fairgoers ample opportunity to enjoy the fair experience.
Record-breaking attendees entered the gate for the 132nd Fair. With loads of new activities and entertainment, people gathered from far and wide. Monster trucks, Big Wheels, dog performances, wood sculptors, and stellar musical performances all “beefed” up the Senior Fair schedule.
New royals Allie McCarty and Lane Martin received crowns and a Life Beginning Grant Scholarship of $500 each, another addition to this year’s contest.
Don Bowles and his wife Venita of C103 Radio and Senior Fair Board members Liz Lafferty and Tonya Kersey organized and ran the contests for the littles and babies of Adams County. The adorable wee ones in fancy dress were poised and ready to wave and blow kisses to an adoring crowd. Understandably there were some tears and mini meltdowns, but I pulled myself together and got back to work.
The Adams County Regional Medical Center hosted the Mocktail event again this year, awarding the Senior Citizens” “Pig Slop” the fan favorite. Wednesday was also Senior Day; many participants walked around with prizes from the morning’s events. Ray Ray the Dancing Machine and Jeannie the Dancing Queen hit the floor with some twists and turns, providing joy and smiles for all who watched.
Music played a big part in this year’s fair as the county welcomed two star-studded young country music performers. On Tuesday night, 2022 American Idol winner Noah Thompson entertained with a 90-minute performance of mainly his own compositions, joined once on stage by the county’s own Maria Sexton and giving the stage to Makinlee Stevenson, who performed a Carrie Underwood song. On Friday night, TikTok sensation Taylor Austin-Dye with her 800,000 social media followers, took the stage in center ring with her guitar and her husband on drums and performed covers plus her own original songs. There was also musical entertainment provided by the Rebel Sound Club, Dusty and Backwoods Drive plus the Jason Cooper Memorial Gospel Concert.
The Junior Fair schedule was non-stop activity from preparation to shows. Youngsters with farm tans, wellie boots, long-sleeved white shirts and blue jeans trod the grounds all week. Kristy Watters of OSU Extension Education, Junior Fair Board President Ryan Shoemaker, and the rest of the Board had a busy week of coordination. As always, the result was exemplary. 4-Hers not participating in animal shows displayed booths of impressive projects.
The small and large animal sales proved successful for 4-Hers. It’s quite an experience – (just don’t wave at a friend during the auction). Judge Roy Gabbert brings smiles from the crowd with his zealous bidding. Seeing the care and compassion the youth put into their animals is heartwarming.
It was, indeed – a Fair to remember. And now, it all begins again – what was good, what was great, what was not so much? The Fair Boards prepare for another year of planning the 133rd Adams County Fair. So, in reflection – one more time – I give you the 132nd Adams County Fair in rhyme.
It’s the 2nd annual Sherry Larson rhyme about the Adams County Fair.
“Thousands of people visited from here and from there.
The parade was a long one – that was for sure,
When you thought it was over – Oh look, here comes more!
Lane Martin joined Queen Allie McCarty as her King,
And an obstacle course was added to a Day in the Ring.
Littles were judged, and some shed tiny tears,
And loads of “Got Talent” winners earned cheers.
Corbett Phipps paid a tearful tribute to his good pal –
Outstanding Fair Supporter – Mr. Gary McDowell.
I drove around all week in my little red Mini Coop,
Hoping to find the next big fair scoop.
American Idol Noah Thompson, rocked the stage Tuesday night.
Local Maria Sexton joined him, to everyone’s delight.
Liz entertained with her morning video clips,
And mocktails refreshed those taking sips.
4-Hers showed and placed and could walk away proud,
Knowing they presented in front of a crowd.
Don Bowles questioned candidates big and small,
And he managed to stay calm through it all.
Concessions offered food choices galore –
Deep-fried, barbeque, grilled, and much more.
Racing trucks, big wheels, and beds equaled big fun.
The activities this year were second to none.
The Rodeo was canceled due to Thursday night’s rain.
The week’s weather was good overall, so we can’t complain.
The animal sales brought in some big loot,
And watching Judge Gabbert bid is always a hoot.
Thank you once again for indulging my summary.
Mark and I joined many this week in Fair Recovery.
To all who worked hard – or just came to have fun,
The 132nd Adams County Fair is officially done.