Crowds pack Greene County fairgrounds

WAYNESBURG – People packed the Greene County Fair over the past week with “exceptional” crowds that easily topped last year’s attendance figures, fair organizers said Saturday night.
Aided by another beautiful summer night, the strong attendance continued Saturday as the grandstands were filled for the showcase truck and tractor pull.
“It’s something we’ve always had good support from the community and county,” Greene County Fair Manager Larry Marshall said.
All involved acknowledged great weather during the week helped contribute to the booming attendance, although a few new attractions also helped, including a monster truck rally.
Marshall added Friday night saw a “rowdy” crowd that was one of the largest showings in recent memory.
“Last year was an exceptional year and we’re ahead so far this year,” Marshall said. “We should be well ahead after (Saturday night).”
Lamb and Wool Queen Sadie Wright helped to direct one of the big attractions Saturday night as people bid on more than a dozen wood-carving statues created during the week by Dennis Beach. She wasn’t surprised by the turnout.
“To the county and community, it’s a big deal, especially having the 4-H kids together,” Wright said. “It’s a big family.”
Wright, a Mt. Morris native who was also last year’s fair queen, said the county fair is ingrained in the community.
“This is their vacation,” she said. “This is when they take their week off.”
Traffic was backed up extensively leading into the fairgrounds both Friday and Saturday nights, demonstrating strong attendance for this year’s fair.
With a successful fair now in the books, organizers are now looking toward next year and thinking about how to build on the continued success.
Marshall said the monster truck rally was a smashing hit and they could move it to another night next year to capitalize in that success. They might also consider attracting a motorcycle show or mud bog.
“People like that noise and the dust and dirt,” Marshall said.
Greene County Commissioner Archie Trader agreed and noted the demolition derby Friday night is a fair favorite.
“Anything with gas will get people to come out,” Trader said with a sly grin as he worked the St. Ann Parish food stand.