"Based on what I've seen so far, this has the potential to be one of our best events ever," Owenby added. Large crowds turned out Sunday afternoon to view the annual Fair Parade, which officially kicks off the event. The parade was the "biggest, best, longest one I can remember in some time," related one observer. From there, Fair officials said, many people traveled to the fairgrounds to take advantage of the free admission and reduced carnival ride prices. Sunday night's lineup included the coronation of 2008 Fair Queen Anna Gladden of Marthasville. Prizes for the best floats in the parade were also awarded Sunday night. "The night of free admission seems to attract a lot of people," Owenby said. "It's a great idea because it helps us show people what we have to offer and they will hopefully want to come back later in the week." Owenby estimated there were about 1,000 people at the fairgrounds for Tuesday's entertainment, which included the rodeo king and queen competition and a motorcycle supercross event. "We've got a pretty good crowd tonight (Tuesday)," Owenby said. Owenby added he was especially interested in seeing the size of the crowds on Thursday and Friday nights. On Thursday the annual livestock dinner/auction will be held, coupled with the demolition derby. And Friday night's featured attractions included country artists John Anderson and Eric Church, plus the traditional July 4th fireworks show. "Those are usually two of our better nights with regard to the crowds," Owenby observed. "I'm really curious to see if we get more people this year because our entertainment lineup has been shifted to a weekend night (Friday). "Personally, I think we've got some real good singers lined up to perform," Owenby added. Owenby said he realized the Warren County Fair's entertainment conflicts with another major event, a concert by Tim McGraw at the Verizon Wireless amphitheater at Westport. "But if you think about it, we've got a lot going for us to help encourage people to come here," Owenby noted. "Heck, we're a lot closer than that arena and people won't have to fight the traffic going there and coming back. "Plus, our prices are a whole lot better than theirs," Owenby added. "I think the cheapest ticket for Tim McGraw is $45, then you have to pay to park and their concession prices are higher too." Owenby said he hoped most people would take advantage of the $15 admission price and lower concession prices and elect to come to the Warren County Fair that night. "Plus we've got fireworks," he added. Owenby also said he was excited about the Fair's Saturday lineup, which includes games, activities and the event's premier motor sports attraction, the truck and tractor pull. "Saturday is always one of our best days, attendance-wise," he said. "We've got a real varied lineup of things to do."