The 60th edition of the Fair, which began June 28, concluded Saturday. Rainy weather Saturday morning forced the cancellation of that evening's truck and tractor pull, but many of the activities were held and drew nice crowds. "I think we had a nice Fair," Fair Board President Roger Owenby said. "Mother Nature gave us five good days. From dropping the prices and flip flopping the schedule, it was quite a chore to get it done." "There was discussion to cancel the final day and start cleaning up, but we had events we wanted held. Everything went good that day." As the weather got better, the greased pig contest was able to be moved in front of the main stage and a small window between rain allowed the fireworks show to still be held. Other activities still held throughout the day included the baby show, watermelon eating contest and various kids activities. "We wanted to have stuff for the kids to enjoy," Owenby said. "It makes it worthwhile to see the kids' faces." Owenby said he was pleased with the turnout throughout the week. Strong crowds were present for last Sunday's queen coronation, Tuesday's motocross and Thursday's demolition derby and rodeo, according to Owenby. "The motocross went well," Owenby said. "The demo derby went over well. All of our work culminated into a great event. All in all, it went good. We didn't have any big issues." This was the first time in several years the Fair utilized a one-price admission fee, which covered carnival rides for most of the week. Owenby said he heard many positives from fairgoers regarding the new pricing structure. He also was pleased with the community's continued support at the annual livestock auction. This also was the first year goats and chickens were shown. One of the few disappointments during the week was the attendance for Friday's musical entertainment, Owenby said. The headline act was national recording artists, the Kentucky Headhunters. Butch Wax and The Hollywoods were the opening act. Owenby said the Fair still struggles to generate huge crowds for the main stage despite bringing in well-known performers such as Joe Nichols (2006), Aaron Tippin (2007) and John Anderson (2008). "The community spoke and said they don't want to have entertainment," Owenby remarked. "We've tried bigger names; we've tried little names. It look likes it will be something discussed in the future." Owenby said the Fair Board will be compiling attendance and revenue figures over the next several weeks to determine how this year's Fair stacked up to recent years. The association that governs the Fair will be holding its annual meeting Sept. 9, he added. He said the association is open to anyone for a $10 lifetime membership fee. An association member has voting rights for board of director selections and changes to bylaws. "I hope the community is proud of the association and the Fair Board who put this on for the community," Owenby said. "When you came in, you found out what Warren County is all about."

Chairman Pleased with Fair Turnout Despite Rainy Finish

Chairman Pleased with Fair Turnout Despite Rainy Finish