43
Columbiana County Fair enjoys a resurgence
The new steer barn has been nicknamed ‘The Herb.’
LISBON — Attendance was good, the weather was nice and the Columbiana County Fair is looking forward to the fall.
And, of course, next year.
The fair attendance was up by 3,300 people this year over 2007’s paid attendance of 31,700.
Tresa Hall, the fair manager, said that in 2007, “a rainy Sunday last year killed us” in attendance.
On Saturday night this year, the people didn’t stop coming, which necessitated her jumping in to help sell tickets.
Overall, she added, “Things went well.”
Sales for the champion animals brought good prices despite a so-so economy, she added.
But the dedication of the new metal building with open sides was probably the top event, Hall said.
The $250,000 building replaced steer and other animal barns that many had feared for years would burn or fall down with people and animals inside.
Named for top financial supporter and businessman J. Herbert Thompson of Vernon Dell Tractor in East Liverpool, the complex will be used for a variety of projects.
Hall said it has been affectionately nicknamed “The Herb.”
The facility will be used for nonfair events, such as auctions. Contributions are still coming in, Hall said.
The fair will also be hosting a Fall Festival of arts and crafts at the fairgrounds on Oct. 11. There will be a Fall Bash on Oct. 18, a motorsport program similar to others held by the fair itself. It’s the second year for the Fall Bash.
Ticket sales for country singer Lorrie Morgan were not that great for the fair’s main concert Friday, but fellow country singer Jake Owen did well Tuesday.
“We had a great fair,” said fair board member Don Humphrey Jr.
There were no major problems during the week, he said.
As problems come up, the board and workers take care of them, he said.
Julie Herron, the Columbiana County Cooperative Extension Agent who works with the fair and junior fair, said there may be more emphasis on bringing in youths aged five or who are in kindergarten. Junior fair is open to youths age eight or in third grade. The program helps youths prepare to enter the junior fair when they grow older.
“It gives them an opportunity to exhibit,” she said.
Herron said she saw few senior citizens at the fair this year and said the board may want to consider a reduced rate for them. Parts of the fairgrounds are steep, she added.
The fair didn’t get a $125,000 grant it sought with the help of the Columbiana County commissioners, said Commissioner Penny Traina.
The money would have been used to improve water service along the western side of the fairgrounds, and to make more restrooms accessible to people with disabilities.
Traina said she would continue to look for grants for the fair.
The fair board has wanted for many years to repair its grandstands. The covered grandstand is believed to date to 1852 and may be the oldest in Ohio.
Members of the fair board hope to find funding to renovate it.
wilkinson@vindy.com