Community of campers

Camping at the fairgrounds is more convenient than traveling back and forth.
By AMY HOUSLEY
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
BAZETTA -- Some fairgoers don't have far to go when the Trumbull County Fair closes each night.
These fairgoers live at the fairgrounds for the week.
"You get caught up in the excitement," said Jill Boley of Brookfield. She, her husband Gary, and daughter Jessica are in their fifth year of camping.
Their 4-H club, the Brookfield 4-H Friends, has 10 families staying at the campground. Jessica is involved with 4-H.
"It brings the kids together as a club," said Boley. Because the kids are together all week, they can get to know each other well. At night, the kids usually hang out, play cards and talk about their day.
The adults also use the opportunity to visit. Boley said the fair is the only time some of the people see each other.
Although many of the people there are part of the fair for 4-H, others choose to stay because of work.
"We have a good time here," said Richard M. Turner, president of the Historical Village Association. "It's like one big happy family."
He's been involved with the fair for 26 years, camping for 20 of those years. Though he's from Fowler, he lives at the fairgrounds from the Friday before the fair opens to the Monday after it closes.
He estimates that there are about 150 lots in use this year, not counting the concessionaires. Each lot costs $75 to rent for the week, which includes water and electric hook-ups. Campers are issued permits to camp and for the electricity.
A neighborly thing
Carl Davis of Hartford is in charge of the electrical work for the fair. He has been camping for all 20 of his years at the fair. He said the campers look out for each other.
"It's like a real nice neighborhood," he said.
Some of the campers use an extra lot to set up a tent as a central meeting place.
Camping on the fairgrounds is more convenient than traveling to the fair every day. All of the supplies are on hand, and it allows for more sleep before the next busy day begins.
Security is on hand for the safety of those camping. Despite the noise of the rides, the animals and the grandstand events, the campers don't seem to mind.
Jill Boley said the noise is "just part of the fair."
ahousley@vindy.com