The 152nd Athens County Fair is coming to town this weekend with a slew of rides and entertainment for people of all ages.
The fair will take place at the County Fairgrounds on West Union Street from Aug. 1-9.
Fair Board of Directors Secretary, Ron Llewellyn, said there will not be anything new at the fair this year, although the board is bringing back the rodeo — which it has not had for a few years.
One of the feature events at this year’s fair is the ‘toughtrack.’ The toughtrack, a term the fair board coined, is a track of obstacles, like dirt ramps, for off-road vehicles. The object is to make it through the timed course without hitting any of the obstacles, Llewellyn said.
Bluegrass band Rarely Herd will open for singer Ronnie McDowell as one of the main musical events Aug. 6. WAIS/WSEO radio stations and Movies 10 in Nelsonville are sponsoring this event, Llewellyn said.
“Ronnie McDowell is a good entertainer,” he said. “We have had him before and we will have him again this year. (We get) whatever fits their tour schedule and our price range.”
Admission to the fair is $6, which includes everything except food.
The fair board signed a three-year contract with JCJ Amusements, who brings in and runs the rides. They work on a percentage of commission made at the gate, Llewellyn said. This is the first year included in the contract for the Florida-based company.
The board started planning for this year’s fair as soon as last year’s fair finished. The board is responsible for organizing the fair and bringing in the main attractions, Llewellyn said.
The board, which meets once a month, comprises 18 people, six of whom are elected every three years. The Athens County Agricultural Society chooses the fair board members who serve on a voluntary basis. The members work with the junior fair board, which consists of the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Future Farmers of America, and Future Homemakers of America.
Coolville resident Mike Murphy, who has shown poultry nationally, has participated in the Athens County Fair for the last 15 years. He has advised the 4-H club for 11 years and has 12 advisees this year.
“I’m excited for the fair in a way,” Murphy said. “There are a couple kids I have been working with and I can’t wait to see how they end up doing (in the contest).”
This year’s fair also will feature a small animal show in which participants will show their rabbits and poultry. The contests begin on the mornings of Aug. 4 and Aug. 5 and last until about 3 p.m. each day, Murphy said. Between 80 and 100 people from 9 to 19 years old will be contestants.
Roger Bail, a board member from Lee Township, said they do not have any expectations of the fair this year. He said they just want people to go to it, have a good time and just hope the rain holds off.
“Would you want to go to the fair in the rain?” Bail said.
17 Archives
Natalie Long
200307311247midsize.jpg
A horse is led around the track yesterday afternoon at the Athens County Fairgrounds. The Athens County Fair begins Aug. 1 and will run through Aug. 9.
