Greene plans changes for fair
WAYNESBURG – A few changes are in store for Greene County fairgoers who have come to appreciate the fair’s traditional atmosphere. But they shouldn’t worry. The fair has not gone commercial. If anything, new traditions are in the making.
This year, the fair, which begins today with “pre-fair” activities, is ready to rodeo. The Rawhide Rodeo Company, featuring the Sam Swearingen’s Professional Rodeo, is a new attraction at this year’s fair.
The rodeo will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday with a special appearance from the One Armed Bandit.
Debbie Stephenson, the fair board’s secretary-treasurer, said the rodeo is a sanctioned event and will be “the biggest pull” at this year’s fair.
“It’s something different,” said Stephenson. “But it fits well with what the fair has to offer.”
The rodeo is not the only new attraction, Stephenson said. Families also can enjoy Kid’s Day on Sunday from 2 to 11 p.m. Admission is free for all. A ride-all-day pass costs $5.
“We want to see how well it goes over,” Stephenson said. “Mom and Dad always want to come to the fair, so we made it free for them.”
Stephenson also said the Home and Garden section of the fair has been “revamped.”
“We always had the same setup,” she said. “Now you’ll be able to see things more easily.”
The better view includes a new layout and display tables, Stephenson said.
The fourth change this year is a different day for the truck pull, moved from Wednesday evening to Tuesday, Stephenson said.
“We thought Tuesday might be a better draw,” she explained.
On average, the fair attracts 20,000 patrons, and last year’s fair attracted almost 17,000, according to Stephenson.
“As long as the weather holds up, we’re expecting a big crowd,” she said.
Even with the changes, tradition remains at this year’s fair.
“The fair is a place where 4-Hers, who worked hard all year, can display their exhibits and the average farmer can display their hay, grain, wool and home-grown products,” Stephenson said, adding that farming is a “dying industry.”
“We have to promote what we have,” she said. “That’s what fairs are for.”
The “pre-fair,” which runs today through Sunday, gives visitors a chance to take in some activities before the fair officially starts Monday. Today, patrons can enjoy the Greene County 4-H Round-up at 10 a.m. and Croushore’s Demolition Derby at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday’s featured event is the all-terrain vehicle and motocross races.
Admission to the fair is $6, with the exception of Saturday, when admission is $10, pit included.
Fair gate times are from 1 to 11 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 3 to 11 p.m. Aug. 4-7 and 1 to 11 p.m. Aug. 8 and 9.