A fair to remember
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Kurt Johnson
There was only one lower-than-expected number associated with this year’s Hamilton County Fair, and it was a key one.
In the midst of a blazing hot and humid summer, the thermometer dipped significantly for a few days, which just happened to sync up with this year’s celebration of our county’s ag-based heritage. The timing couldn’t have been better.
There is so much preparation and planning that goes into this annual gig, by the Hamilton County Ag Society, event planners and of course the many who enter animals and exhibits in 4-H, FFA and open class competitions. And yet, the weather come showtime creates a backdrop which impacts everything else. A nice, slow, soaking, 1-inch+ rain (minus the wind and hail that has accompanied previous storms) on Tuesday night was just what the doctor ordered in that regard, providing some heat relief while also letting the ag community catch its collective breath. The pleasant weather made everyone want to be out and about doing just about anything, so the opportunity to do so in such a fun setting was ideal.
With the ground good and moist, at the fairgrounds and throughout the county, fairgoers were in a noticeably upbeat mood Thursday through Sunday. Fair board members reported solid attendance at the grandstand events and the midway was buzzing, especially in the evenings. Planners figured out years ago that loud motors and crashes bring out the crowds in this part of the country, which was evident yet again at the trailer races and always popular demolition derby.
There were other positive reviews as well. The bidding was noticeably generous at Saturday’s 4H and FFA livestock auction in the show arena, and bidders filled the Farr Building again on Sunday for a bid-calling competition, a first for the fair’s itinerary.
There was a lot to see, do and eat throughout the fairgrounds, providing one last blast of summer fun before the calendar turns to August, school, fall and all that comes with it. Judging by the overall crowds and general upbeat vibe permeating the grounds all week long, the 2022 version of the Hamilton County Fair was a good one.
-- Kurt Johnson
