|
|
|
|
"156 Years of Greatness"
The
Great Darke County Fair Opens Today
By Bob Robinson
Opening ceremonies will be held at 8 a.m. today for the 2012 Great
Darke County Fair. Touted as being one of the largest and most diverse
county fairs in the state, the Darke County Fair is celebrating “156
Years of Greatness.”
On Monday, many vendors were already set up. Others were working on
theirs, while some hadn’t yet started. Fitzwater was in the process of
putting its space together. Three days later on late Thursday afternoon
most were finished, while a few were still putting up final touches.
Fitzwater, along with several others, really looked great.
You might want to check them out early today to beat the crowds.
And as always seems to be the case, there were harness horses and
drivers on the track… with early visitors watching the action.
County News Online will have a crew of volunteers at the fair on most
(if not all) of the days. Photos and stories will be published as soon
as possible as they are received. In 2011, CNO provided the most
complete coverage of the fair of any source of information around. We
intend to do no less this year.
My own experience with the fair has been nothing short of “great.” I’ve
had the opportunity to interview celebrities, the future governor of
Ohio, U.S. and state senators and representatives, the Mime (he didn’t
have much to say) and fairgoers from across the state and outside our
borders.
I never fail to see old friends I’d lost touch with, my extended family
members, people I don’t know but who know me from my Advocate days and
supported me in my run for commissioner, and interesting people I just
happen to strike up a conversation with.
I also occasionally run into a few people I’d just as soon not run
into… but what the heck. Ya gotta take the bad with the good, don’t you?
All summer I’ve been running into kids (actually, they run into me)
that I met while substituting in Darke County schools. They looked
familiar – I’m great with faces, lousy with names – but they sure knew
me. One young lady introduced me to her family – including her
three-week old baby brother – and insisted on showing me the cheers she
learned in cheerleading over the summer.
She’s six years old. She was actually pretty good. I loved it.
I have a feeling I’ll be running into a few more of “my” students over
the next nine days. Looking forward to it.
In fact, I’m looking forward to another “great” time at the Great Darke
County Fair 2012. I’ll be on Kiwanis Gate 5 Saturday and Sunday
mornings. Stop by and say “hi.” Otherwise, I’ll see you on the fairway!!
A complete schedule of events for all nine days of the fair can be
obtained by clicking here.
|
|
|
|
