Kudos to fair organizers
The Grant County Fair is over and done with for another year, but offers plenty of memories to savor and enjoy for years to come
Months of planning and preparation culminated to put on the large scale event and showcase Grant County's talent, youth, agriculture and businesses.
The fair brought together an eclectic mix of service groups, entertainment groups youth and adult exhibitors.
It is not an easy feat to deal with so many factors for a public event held in the heat of the summer.
But first year fair manager Jerry Gingrich and his staff did a good job. There's a learning curve with any new job, but the fairgrounds were kept clean and tidy, the parking lot was free of hazards and entry gate operations ran smoothly.
New blood sometimes offers new ideas and visions, even if they aren't apparent to an outsider. Carrying off the behind the scenes efforts takes planning and carry through.
It was also nice to see candidates for local and state offices visit the fair to connect with their current and future constituents.
For those interested in the political scene, the fair offered voters a chance to chat with decision makers.
Fair organizers should be recognized for securing big name entertainment, country music star John Michael Montgomery. Between 1,500 and 2,000 people attended his performance Saturday.
Throughout the week, other entertainers provided quality entertainment. A tribute to The Eagles, the Rock'n B Cloggers, Chayenne Classic Rock, Let's Pretend, ventriloquist Jerry Breedon, Brian Ledbetter Magic Show, Pat Duffek's balloon creations, Walk in the Wild Side animal show, South Cross, Mantra, Dimestore Profits, 4x8 Square Dancers, and The Crashers were among the entertainment offered.
According to an online survey at www.columbiabasinherald.com, 17 percent of those surveyed indicated they had a blast at the fair, 21 percent noted the fair was okay, but it's been better before, 13 percent didn't enjoy it and 49 percent didn't go.
What would you do to improve the fair? Or do you think it's great as it is?
Weigh in by writing a letter to the editor, by emailing editor@columbiabasinherald.com.
- Editorial board