T-L Photos/CARRI GRAHAM ABOVE: Raelynn Baker, 10, of Woodsfield pets one of her three goats. Baker said she has been showing animals at the fair for two years and looks forward to it each time.
WOODSFIELD — Attendees expressed their joy that the Monroe County Fair has returned after it was canceled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Although the heat has deterred some from attending this year’s fair, Charles Schaffer, a member of the fair board, said it has been a “good” turnout so far. He said due to the temperature reaching well into the 90s this week, organizers have seen a bit of decline from previous years, especially among the “older” crowd.
However, the biggest attendance days are typically on the weekend — today and Saturday.
Even with the heat, there have been no incidents at the event among humans or animals. No one has been affected by heat exhaustion. Schaffer said everything has been running smoothly. He said he is glad to be back this year, along with everyone he has spoken with.
“Everyone’s just happy to be back this year. It’s amazing seeing just how much the kids have grown in the last two years,” Schaffer said.
The fair features a range of entertainment, exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides, vendors and plenty of food. Schaffer said there are also a few new buildings on site, including the new Ohio State University Extension Service Office, 4-H Educational Building and improvements to the horse barn and arena.
He mentioned that two local Girl Scouts, Leah Hutchinson and Allie Isaly, recently raised more than $8,000 to complete a series of LED light installations around the horse area and inside the barn. He said the lights were installed just in time for the fair and have been a great addition.
Schaffer said there has been an increase in animals entered into the showings and sales this year due to the event being canceled last year.
He said the 4-H members involved are thrilled to be back in the arena showing their animals.
“It’s all for kids — that’s why we have a fair,” he said.
Jace Baumberger, 13, of Beallsville has been showing his 14-year-old horse, Shorty, for the past five years at the fair. He said he couldn’t wait for the fair to return this year.
He said they had a virtual show last year, but nothing compares to the face-to-face interaction.
“It’s much more fun,” he said.
Baumberger took home the County Showmanship award on Tuesday. He said he was proud to have earned the award, adding that he loves to be at the fair. It’s the last vacation before school starts each year, he added.
Denise Potts of Woodsfield has been bringing her grandchildren to the county fair each year, and this year was no different. Her two granddaughters, Kallie Covert and Zavery Lake, both 7, were having fun riding the amusement rides.
She said they camp out for the week in the campground area of the fair, which continues to grow each year. Potts said they were so happy to have the fair back this year and will keep coming so as long as it is put on.
The 171st annual Monroe County Fair began Monday and will continue through Saturday.
Today’s lineup includes the Alumni Showdown Showmanship Contest at noon in the show barn; a water balloon volleyball contest at 1 p.m. in the show barn; a scavenger hunt at the rabbit and poultry barn at 2:30 p.m.; an animal dress-up contest at 3 p.m. in the show barn; a Pee Wee Showmanship at 6 p.m. in the show barn; the Buckeye State Pedal Pull at 6 p.m. in the pavillion along with a Truck and Tractor Pull; and a Fun Horse Show for 4-H members at 6 p.m.
Saturday:
— 10 a.m. Suburban Tractor Pull;
— 11 a.m. Antique Tractor Pull;
— Noon Ohio Horseman’s Council Fun Horse Show;
— 12:30 p.m. Power Wheel Rodeo, open class barn;
— 7 p.m. Price Sisters, pavillion;
— 8-11 p.m. Square Dance at the Rowley Building.
The fairground opens daily at 8 am. and closes at midnight with rides opening at 3 p.m. Admission into the fair includes free rides, pavilion and grandstand shows.
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