Fair has record day; ready for weekend
By Steve Herring
Published in News on October 9, 2015 1:47 PM
DUDLEY -- Thursday night's attendance at the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair was up by about 25 percent over the previous day in what is being called one of the best Thursday night crowds in recent years.
Fair Manager Eddie Pitzer is optimistic the crowds will show up again today and Saturday despite a forecast of rain for the final two days of the fair's already rain-abbreviated 10-day run.
There is a chance of rain later today with highs in the low 80s and an 80 percent of rain Saturday with highs expected in the upper 60s and with a low around 53.
"We had a good night last night," Pitzer said. "It was one of the best Thursday nights that we have had over the past five years. We are seeing an increase in attendance. We are moving forward. We have no intentions of canceling -- we want to get in this last weekend. We have had a lot of calls from people wanting to know about the schedule of events."
And there is still plenty to enjoy at the fair, Pitzer said.
"We are planning for a good weekend. They are a lot of rides, and I heard about deep-fried pumpkin pie. I love pumpkin pie, but I don't think I have ever had deep-fried pumpkin pie. I have got to try it. "
Highlights for Saturday include the ugly pickup truck contest at 1 p.m. followed by the demolition derby at 1:30 p.m.
Both will be held at the grandstand.
"Anybody who has a truck they feel like they want to show off -- an ugly truck -- can enter," Pitzer said. "They can show up and enter right there on the spot and there is a $100 first place prize."
Pitzer said he does not know how many vehicles will compete in the demolition derby that once again this year will include four-cylinder vehicles.
"They mash them up pretty good," he said.
Admission to the fair is $7 for adults, $4 for students in kindergarten through 12th grade and free for preschool children.
Parking is free.
Carnival wristbands are $25 each and are good for one day only from opening to closing.
The cost is $5 for four individual ride tickets or $20 for a sheet of 22. Rides require 3, 4, 5 or more individual tickets.
Powers Great American Midways has 48 rides set up and there is plenty of food being sold by vendors, local churches and other groups.
Along with the entertainment are numerous exhibits and displays.
The gates will open today at 4 p.m. and Powers Great American Midways at 5 p.m. The fair continues through Saturday when the gates will open at 11 a.m. and the midway at noon.
The Science Competition at the Entertainment Arena kicks off today's events at 5:30 p.m.
The Almost Amazing Rex and Dana Ryan will perform at 7 p.m. at the West Pavilion and hypnotist Mike Bishop at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the East Pavilion.
The Pork Chop Revue will be held on the Center Stage at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Pitzer said crowds have been especially good for Bishop and the Pork Chop Revue and its trained pigs.
The Legends Show will start at 8 p.m. at the West Pavilion and the Western Gunfight Show at 8:30 p.m. in the Western Town.
On Saturday, the Pork Chop Revue will be held on the Center Stage at 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Hypnotist Mike Bishop will perform at 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at the East Pavilion.
The Almost Amazing Rex and Dana Ryan performances will be held at 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the West Pavilion.
The Kid's Club "Discover Agriculture" contest continues from noon to 8 p.m.
The Kids Olympics will be held in the food court area at 3:30 p.m. and the local talent show at 8 p.m. at the West Pavilion.