ERIN – The Erin Fall Fair returned over the Thanksgiving long weekend for its 172nd year, bringing with it a return to normalcy.
This year’s theme was “Family ties and homemade pies.”
“Lots of people come to the fair each year; it’s their family tradition,” Erin Agricultural Society president Brenda Lothmann told the Advertiser.
This year, she says the fair was “full-steam ahead.”
After being closed last year, the exhibit hall was opened again and the homecraft division was able to raise funds through its café.
“It’s been nice for them to have their annual fundraiser back,” Lothmann said.
That and the apple dumplings, of course.
“It’s awfully nice to have them at the fair again, too.”
Scheduling for major track events was rejigged this year with the demo derby moved to Monday afternoon (to make the timing more family-friendly), the tractor pull was moved to Friday, and the truck pull to Saturday.
Lothmann said the audience responded well and attendance was good, with a good number of pullers.
“Every year when you try something different you never know if it’s going to work or not, but so far our response has been good,” she said.
By Saturday afternoon, this year’s cooler temperatures had begun to warm and the fairgrounds were alive with families and young children darting about.
Not far past the fair’s main entrance, Bob Cates of Comedy in Motion juggled knives and flaming torches while seated on a unicycle.
Farther afield, a muddy track was readied for a truck pull, and fairgoers sat on nearby bleachers munching away on the many food truck offerings.
Kids on the “drop zone” screamed as they plummeted toward the ground at a busy midway, complete with a Ferris wheel.
“We have 25-acres and we like to fill it,” said fairground operations manager Eileen Brown.
Each year organizers hope to keep things fresh and provide new offerings along with the key attractions.
Integral to the organizers’ mission is the promotion of agriculture through animal shows and displays.
The organizers say it’s important to maintain Erin’s rural roots along with the track and action events that attract people from urban areas.
“I like that we don’t just focus on the track events,” Lothmann said, adding the agricultural elements are good for those who may not understand where their food comes from.
A new agridome, essentially a large, domed shelter, held an “agri-awareness” event where people could check out sheep, goats and cattle.
The ongoing spread of avian influenza throughout North America prevented any poultry from being shown in the dome.
Local 4H clubs also showcased dairy and beef cattle, and a petting zoo, including camels, was a busy attraction for youngsters.
Attendance this year has been up despite the cooler temperatures, Lothmann said, but this time around there’s no rain to contend with.
“It’s Thanksgiving weekend, so you never know what’s going to happen,” she said.
Despite fewer volunteers, organizers handled the increased attendance in stride, working hard to bring everything together.
Lothmann thanked volunteers for their commitment and the public for coming out to enjoy everything the Erin Fall Fair has to offer.
