‘Fair’ well, til next year
WAYNESBURG — The 2011 Greene County Fair has come and gone, leaving behind many fond memories not only for the many people who attended the fair’s numerous events and activities but for those who were instrumental in putting it together.
Debbie Stephenson, fair board secretary/treasurer, said she was pleased to see that the overall attendance at the fair was solid, especially since the numbers continued to improve each day of fair week.
“The crowds certainly started packing the fairgrounds more and more as the week went on,” Stephenson said. “Whether it was the live entertainment, the 4-H events, the food or the rides, it was obvious that the fairgoers were having a great time all throughout the week. I don’t think anyone could have been disappointed by the fair this year.”
Stephenson said the fair board was pleased with the overall turnout for the fair.
“The total attendance was definitely better for this year’s fair than in years past” she said. “And, we were thrilled to see such a nicely balanced variety of people coming through our gates. There were families, teens and seniors, all of whom appeared to find something to enjoy at the fair.”
Stephenson said the pleasant weather also played an important role in the fair’s success this year.
“Mother Nature cooperated with us all week, which really helped make it a good week,” she said. “When it’s all said and done, this should be considered a successful fair. There was a lot to be happy about this year.”
Stephenson also recognized the many individuals who helped make the fair a success.
“The fair board, volunteers, maintenance crews, county officials and sponsors were just terrific,” she said. “We wouldn’t have been able to put it all together without their cooperation and support. And the community at large should be commended for coming out and supporting the fair. They were such a vital part of the fair’s success.”
One of the fair’s traditionally biggest crowd-pleasing attractions is the Croushore Demolition Derby, and this year’s event – which was held on Friday – did not disappoint.
On Saturday, the final day of the fair featured the auctioning of wood carvings by Dennis Beach, in which patrons were able to bid on his unique work. And rounding out the final day was the popular truck pulls by Power Pulling Production, LLC that featured super stock/pro stock tractors.
Pulling is a fan favorite in Waynesburg and is followed up each year after the fair with an additional pulling championship taking place in September at the fairgrounds.
The 14th annual Greene County Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League Expo will be held at the fairgrounds on Saturday, Sept. 17.
The event — which is sponsored by Bortz Chevrolet Subaru, Middletown Tractor Sales, H&K Enterprises and Dale Property Services, and will feature equipment by Blue Mountain Equipment Rental Corporation and Ross Tractor Sales — will feature Hot Rod Semi’s, Super Stock Trucks, Super Farm Tractors and Super Modified 2WD Trucks.
Gates will open at 4 p.m., and the event will begin at 7 p.m. Pre-sale tickets available until Aug. 31 are $15, and tickets at the gate are $20. Track side reserved truck parking is available for $30. A limited number of spaces are available.
Tickets may be purchased at the county’s recreation office from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The rain date for this event has been scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 18 at 2 p.m.
For more information on this event, call 724-627-9160.
One of the bigger highlights of the week was the 4-H Market Lamb and Steer Sale, which was held in the arena barn on Aug. 11.
During the sale, the barn bleachers were filled with many area businessmen, public officials and other individuals, all who were ready to place bids on steer and lambs that were shown earlier in the week.
Joseph Headlee III, 12, showed the grand champion steer during the 4-H Market Steer Show on Aug. 9. Headless is the son of Joesph and Nicole Headlee of Waynesburg. At the sale, his 1,248-pound steer was purchased by Elite Oil Field Services for $9 per pound, for a total of $11,232.
The reserve grand champion steer, showed by Lexie Mooney, 11, was purchased by MEC Construction and Coastal Drilling. Her 1,312-pound steer was sold for $6.50 per pound, for a total of $8,528. She is the daughter of Heath and Denise Mooney of Sycamore.
Holden Headlee, 10, showed the grand champion lamb at the 4-H Market Lamb Show on Aug. 10. At the sale, his 124-pound lamb was purchased by Waynesburg and Rices Landing Giant Eagle for $19 per pound, for a total of $2,356. He is the son of Joesph and Nicole Headlee of Waynesburg.
Hayden Demniak, 10, showed the reserve grand champion lamb, which weighed 130 pounds. He is the daughter of Dave and Cindy Demniak of Carmichaels. The winning bid was from Energy Corporation of America, which purchased the lamb for $13 per pound, for a total of $1,690.