Good weather boosts fair attendance
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By Bennie Scarton Jr.
Published: August 14, 2008
The 59th annual Prince William County Fair draws to a close on Saturday.
Blessed by a week of favorable weather, the fair has drawn more than 50,000 spectators through its gates by mid-week.
The fair drew one of the largest midweek attendances in its history on Wednesday when more than 17,000 people came out.
"It was like the old days when we would draw crowds of upwards of 20,000 on weekends," said fair manager Keith Johnson.
So many vehicles showed up that the fair's parking lots were filled and overflow parking was used at the Manassas National Guard Armory and across the road at Old Dominion Speedway.
"People were lining up at 2 p.m. to get into the fair that didn't open until 3 p.m. and many stayed until closing time at midnight," Johnson said.
The lagging economy also probably played a major role in the huge turnout. It was $1 admission night and $1 per ride day and many families took advantage of the reduced rates for a day of fun and excitement at the fair.
Johnson said last year's $1 day was also great but "this year's was outstanding—up 40 percent over last year when Monday was dollar day." Last year's fair drew 80,000 and fair officials were shooting for 100,000 this year.
Many activities are still on tap for fairgoers during the final two days.
Tonight is championship night for the Demolition Derby in the grandstands and KYDA Pro Wrestling in the show barn.
Topping Saturday's fair activities will be the Freestyle Motor Cross Jump-Off as fairgoers can experience the excitement of high-flying motorcycle stunts. Some of the top riders in the nation will put on mid-air maneuvers and insane back flips.
Frees style is a variation of the sport of motocross in which motorcycle riders impress judges with jumps and daring stunts. This is the second year they have been at the fair, drawing admiring crowds last year.
Lionel Ward, Elvis impersonator, and his New World Band will entertain in the show barn at 7 p.m.
Attendees can also take in the Deggeller Attractions Midway, children's activities, view judging of beef cattle, sheep and dairy goats, sample some fair food, admire some antique tractors, check out the winners of the home arts exhibits and pick up some souvenirs in the commercial building.
The winner of the third baby contest—for boys ages 19-36 months—was Charles Bradford Peterson, 25 months, son of Ron and Tamara Peterson of Manassas.
Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.
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