Fayette County Fair follows normal pattern in 2016
Kelly Tunney | Herald-Standard
Carnival-goers enjoy the Ferris wheel and a slide on the last day of the 2016 Fayette County Fair.
Rebecca Devereaux|Herald-Standard
Tom Seighman, 65, of Uniontown helps his grandson Bruce Balonick, 3, ride the merry-go-round for the first time at the 2016 Fayette County Fair.
Following two years of extremes, weather and attendance returned to a normal pattern with the 2016 Fayette County Fair.
“2015 was probably one of the best years — if not the best. We had perfect weather and great attendance. The year before — 2014 — was the worst I can remember. We had terrible weather. So normal felt OK,” Bill Jackson, fair board president from Redstone Township, told the crowd that gathered Wednesday night at the Fayette County Fairgrounds for the annual meeting of the Fayette County Agricultural Improvement Association Inc.
Before the meeting, John Blaney Jr., fair board treasurer from Franklin Township, said summer heat affected attendance at this year’s fair but also at fairs around the district.
He put attendance at 94,000 for the 10-day fair, which was held July 28-Aug. 6. That’s down from last year’s estimated crowd of 98,000.
But Blaney noted, “We were happy.”
Rain bothered the fair on opening night but was otherwise not a major factor. Blaney said all shows in the Chevron Outdoor Arena went on although a few classes in some shows had to be cut. These shows pull in crowds with the most popular being Monster Trucks, mud races and demolition derbies — the latter held three nights of the fair, including the final night, which Blaney said had the biggest attendance.
The greatest impact this year were capital improvements made before the start of the fair that included connecting the fairgrounds to public sewage, nearly depleting the fair’s beginning balance of $158,485 and leading the board to borrow money. Current balance stands at $7,043.01.
In fact, Blaney made a point of speaking about this issue to the association even after someone made a motion to dispense with reading of the treasurer’s report.
Blaney told the crowd, “We spent $297,568.86, and other than the blacktop (on the fairground roads), you probably can’t tell.”
But Blaney said hooking up to township sewage was “a great relief.”
“It’s absolutely a big improvement. We shouldn’t have to worry about sewage on these grounds for a long time. The problem is paying for it. It’s all paid for, but we had to borrow some money — $99,750. We got some grants from Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau (money from the Tourism Grant Program that comes from the Fayette County hotel room tax),” said Blaney. “But we haven’t received capital improvement money from the state for fiscal year 2015-16. We’re supposed to have $60,000-plus coming in.”
Blaney spoke to the membership about the financial situation, including not receiving those approved state funds. He also noted the fair board worked diligently on the project and was careful about how much was spent.
Blaney said, “It didn’t wipe us clean out. All our bills are, basically, paid. A couple that are outstanding will be taken care of.”
And while the fair is over, the property provides an opportunity for income as people rent the fairgrounds and/or buildings for events that include cash bashes, auctions, weddings, a preschool graduation and a home show. Information on rentals is available by calling the fair office.
Also of note, results for the fair’s 4-H livestock auction were down “but still good,” Blaney noted. The 2016 auction total was $343,169.20, compared to the 2015 high of $477,373.15. Money from the auction goes directly to the youths who show the animals; however, some buyers donate animals back for resale with the second sale revenue going into a scholarship fund for 4-H youths.
Jackson opened the evening’s program by noting, “I’m very proud of our fair, and we have a lot to be proud of.”
He mentioned association members who died since the last annual meeting, recognized previous fair board directors as well as staff, volunteers, public officials and representatives of other fairs and the state fair association who attended the meeting. Jackson also pointed out Jim Davies of Davies Ford, a sponsor for about 25 years who was awarded the Friend of the Fair honor during this year’s opening night.
In a PowerPoint presentation, Jackson talked about 2016 fair highlights, including agricultural competitions and shows in the Chevron Outdoor Arena, Family Area and musical acts that bring people to the grounds. Some of the biggest musical draws included rock band The Clarks, oldies group The Hubcaps and country singer Colin Raye.
Fair princess Mikaela Kemp of Gibbon Glade gave remarks on behalf of fair queen Alexis Wivell of Smock, who is studying animal science at the University of Wyoming. Wivell sent a speech that noted she had “an even deeper appreciation for our fair as it brings people of many talents together.” Kemp called the opportunity to be an ambassador for the fair “an amazing and memorable experience.”
Jennifer Deichert of North Union Township, Penn State Extension assistant, gave a presentation on 4-H and noted there will be a 4-H open house from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 17 in the Fiddlers Building at the fairgrounds.
The association also held its annual election, retaining six incumbents: Danielle Allen Angelo of Franklin Township, David J. Biggerstaff of Belle Vernon, Blaney, Randy C. Breakiron of Hopwood, Chris Diamond of Smithfield and Frank Mutnansky Jr. of Uniontown.
The 2017 Fayette County Fair will be held July 27-Aug. 5.