Sunny conditions greet fairgoers on third day of Fayette extravaganza
A clear and sunny day brought a large crowd to Saturday’s Fayette County Fair. While some people milled around sipping fresh lemonade and eating fair fare, others were there for the rides and games.
Jimmy Kilgore, a 7-year-old Dunbar resident, was particularly excited since his trip to the 49th annual fair was the first during which he would be big enough to ride the “big” rides.
“I got to go on the Ferris wheel and rode the loop,” said Kilgore, referring to a circular roller coaster-type ride that takes passengers upside-down. “It was awesome.”
While many youngsters spent the day ride hopping and going to shows, others came to the fair solely to eat.
With a caramel candy apple in one hand and a gyro in the other, 68-year-old Frances French made no bones about why she comes to the fair.
“This is the one time of year I really indulge,” she said, laughing. “I come every day and play bingo and eat.”
But many fair-goers also were excited about the night’s musical performance, featuring country singer Tammy Cochran. Some wore shirts sporting the singer’s picture or buttons with her image on them.
Cochran, who came onto the country scene with 2001’s “Angels in Waiting,” was scheduled to perform at the Indoor Arena at 8 p.m.
Tara McGuinness of Stahlstown came to see Cochran and said she was pleased that purchasing one $8 ticket for the fair covered both the concert and any other event going on during the day.
“I was sure to come early today, because I’m sure the seating will get full quick. I don’t want to miss any of Tammy’s show,” she said.
Cochran, a multiple Academy of Country Music Awards nominee, released her second album, “Life Happened,” in 2002.
Fair board member Tony Regula said that the Cochran concert brought a good crowd to the grounds, noting that the fair had a steady crowd of patrons all day.
“The weather plays a big part in everything,” said Regula, noting that sunshine likely drew in fairgoers.
He also said that the one-price admission to all fair events has been working out well, noting that people are getting the opportunity to go to more events because they are included in admission.
Among today’s fair events is a performance by oldies group The Fabulous Hubcaps, an oldies group, at 7 p.m. in the Indoor Arena.
From 9 a.m. to noon, hopeful bakers can entered the Hershey Cake and Baking Chip Contest in the Youth Building. Judging for the contest will take place at 1 p.m., the same time that the carnival opens for the day.
MotoCross and 4H events also are scheduled for the day.
Here’s today’s full fair schedule:
– 9 to 10:30 a.m.: Interdenominational church services (O.C. Cluss Lumber stage).
– 9 a.m. to noon: Enter Hershey Cake and Baking Chips Contest (Youth Building).
– 10 a.m.: Open Horse Show (Horse Arena).
– 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Kitchie Lane Gospel Sing (Fiddlers’ Building).
– 1 p.m.: Judging of Hershey Chocolate Cake and Baking Chips Contest (Youth Building).
– 1 to 11 p.m.: Carnival.
– 3 p.m.: 4-H Fashion Show (Youth Building).
– 5 p.m.: 4-H Demonstration and Public Speaking Contest (Youth Building).
– 6 p.m.: Practice for MotoCross.
– 7 p.m.: MotoCross (Outdoor Arena).
– 7 p.m.: 4-H fun activities and games (Youth Building).
– 7 p.m.: The Fabulous Hubcaps (Indoor Arena).
– 8 p.m.: “Clear Tears” Mime Group (Youth Building).
Any person with a Sunday, July 17, 2003, church bulletin will be admitted to the fair free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free admission does not include the carnival and outdoor arena.