August 7, 2017 at 3:49 p.m.
Fair rebounds from rainy start
Fair rebounds from rainy start
By Kayla Thomason-
The fair opened Thursday evening with a short ceremony followed by a performance by Native American dancers, but the evening was shortlived.
The rain was coming down so hard that for the first time in the nine years the fair has been held at Pioneer Park organizers decided to close early.
"The rain deterred a few of the fairgoers (Thursday), for sure, but the positive part of it (was) our opening ceremony was great. We held it under the Big Top tent," said Nancy Gehrig, fair coordinator.
Although closing the fair early Thursday was a bit of a blow, Gehrig found a silver lining.
"Truthfully, I'm saddened about the weather definitely, but because everything went so nice under that Big Top tent the opening ceremonies were OK," she said.
Gehrig thought everyone was understanding of the decision to close Thursday early.
"Everybody, I think, that was here understood because even the vendors, all the ground area where they were was flooded and it was really wet," she said.
There were 300 people in attendance Thursday, seven even went on rides before K&M Amusements closed them down at 8 p.m. The seven people that rode Thursday night had their wristbands honored and were able to ride a different day.
Friday brought sunshine and a crowd of about 3,800 people. Gehrig said the vendors were pleased to see a boost in traffic.
"Our vendors did very well," she said. "I walked through and talked to all the vendors last night and they all said they did really good. The Oneida County Tavern League is taking care of our Beverage Garden Area and they had an over-the-top night."
Linda Milbradt, owner of Gran's Recipe - which sells funnel cakes, cheese curds, corn dogs, cheesy fries, jalapeno poppers and such - withstood Thursday's onslaught.
"It was rough but we still had people riding rides and we had them here enjoying some of the foodstands," she said.
She understood the low attendance on the first day of the fair.
"I can't blame people for not coming out in a downpour," Milbradt said.
Luckily, the following days proved positive for vendors.
"Friday went well, we had a few drops of rain which didn't hinder attendance and today looks like it is going to be fantastic," she said with a smile.
This was her 10th year at the fair and she said she enjoys many aspects of it.
"I love it (the fair)," she said. "This is a lovely fair, it's beautiful, beautiful grounds, nice public."
She also praised the organizing committee.
"The ease of working with the committee, they're a good committee to work with, and the grounds, I've got to say the grounds are beautiful to set up on and for the public. Those are some of my favorite things about the fair," Milbradt said.
Lamonte Madison enjoyed his first time at the fair.
"It's pretty good," he said, adding that he was looking forward to riding the Ferris Wheel and the Tilt-a-Whirl, and sampling the vendors' goods. He had an eye on the cotton candy, fry bread tacos, Domino's pizza, corndogs, lemonade and ice cream.
Madison hopes to come again next year.
Cierra Figueroa attended the fair for at least the first three days, tackling the Tilt-a-Whirl and Gravitron.
She was eager to go on the Salt and Pepper Shaker and back on the Tilt-a-Whirl.
"I love Tilt-a-Whirl," she said with a smile.
She also loved visiting with the monkeys and holding them.
"It was awesome and the baby monkey was holding my mom's string and it was funny and we got to hold it for a little bit," she said.
Gehrig is thankful for everyone's help and support.
"I am in awe and overwhelmed at all of the community support that's coming out to support us here at the fair," she said.
Kayla Breese may be reached at kayla
@rivernewsonline.com.
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