Summary: The 2011 Tuscarawas County fair saw a couple of firsts this year, the success of some new events, and a spectacular concert by country singer, Joe Nichols. Read this article to learn how to weigh in on your choice of next years entertainer.
Photos by Teri Stein
Fair officials were pleased with the record breaking results of the 2011 Tuscarawas County Fair. The combined numbers on all the animal sales totaled $546,195.55, which was up by about $45,000 over last years sales. It was unbelievable, said Dave McCleary, a member of the Market Livestock Committee. We had a fantastic year.
The Market Livestock Auction on Thursday brought in $425,735.55, the dairy sale on Friday totaled $77,605, and the small animal sale earned $42,855.
Another record was broken on in harness racing competition on Sunday as Richard Mairs of Wooster and his horse, One Starry Night, earned a 1:49. A track record in harness racing at the Tuscarawas County Fair has not been broken since 1994. Our track was very fast today, said fair board member Bud Lahmers.
The most reasonably priced food at the fair is found at the Clover Café, whose proceeds support general 4-H activities and Junior Fair improvements. The café marked overwhelming success this year. We had awesome volunteers and heard a lot of compliments from families especially on our prices, said Sheri Boone, a 4-H advisor.
One of the highlights of the 2011 Tuscarawas County fair was country singer, Joe Nichols. Best known for his hits, Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off and Gimmie That Girl, Nichols drew thousands of fans to the fair on Wednesday night. The concert turnout was good, said Patty Arth, Fair Board Secretary. We sold $4,500 worth of grandstand and track seating just on Wednesday night.
Charlene Kehl, who acts as the fairs booking agent, was pleased as well. Every year we try to keep getting the most current singer we can get for what we can afford, she said. They were an incredible group to work with. Kehl reported she has already made a couple of inquiries this week on an entertainer for next year after receiving some requests. Kehl invites those who have suggestions for next years entertainment to email her at cskehl@att.net.
As of Sunday afternoon, fair attendance was ahead of last years numbers by 1,688. Kehl said the board would like to see 8,000 people visit the fair on Sunday to cap off their totals.
Thursdays Community Family Day with its $2.00 admission charge and $10 all day ride special was appreciated by many but it may not be repeated. It went very well, said Doug Wills, fair board president. We will evaluate it from a financial standpoint. The sponsorship was fantastic and we were glad we were able to do it this year. The event was sponsored by J & J Refuse, a Kimble company.
The mostly dry weather was a factor in making the fair a success. As usual the fair board members will start immediately planning for next year. We will evaluate the fair and look at the many aspects and the things that went right, said Wills, who was thankful that most things went right at the fair this year.
