West Alexander fair opening draws a crowd
Samantha Allum of Washington and her daughter, Sydney, have a merry time on the merry-go-round Monday at the West Alexander Fair.
Lisa Barone and Blue came from Orrtanna, near Gettysburg, to compete in the rodeo.
West Alexander’s population grew sixfold Monday – or more.
The 109th annual West Alexander Fair basked in the sunshine on all counts, drawing enormous crowds throughout the day. Adults, teens and young children from Washington County and the Ohio Valley region of West Virginia and Ohio reveled in rodeos, rides, games, funnel cakes and the 25th annual crowning of the fair queen, 18-year-old Megan Gottschalk of Prosperity and current freshman at Waynesburg University.
Barbara Reed, secretary of the fair, said opening-day attendance is usually about 3,500 and, as of 2:30 p.m., an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 people streamed in.
Fair president Rich Hunter said at that time, “As good as the weather is, we could get a turnout of 4,000 to 5,000.”
The 2010 census pegged West Alexander’s population at 604.
The weather was steamy but clear, with a slight breeze. Some rides enhanced fairgoers’ comfort.
“I’m on here to cool off,” said Jason Frye of Valley Grove, W.Va., who was whipped around on the Sizzler with daughter Haley.
They weren’t the only ones enjoying the final summer fair in the region. Samantha Allum of Washington and her daughter, Sydney, smiled and laughed through their spins on the merry-go-round. The speed of the ride was ideal; Sydney’s balloon hat remained affixed on her head.
An early-afternoon parade, musical acts and the queen contest were among Monday events. Horsemen and horsewomen came from far and near to participate in two rodeos. They included Lisa Barone, with Blue, from Ortanna, Pa., near Gettysburg; and Logan Kopyar of Belmont, Ohio, with Taz.
West Alexander Fair No. 109 will continue through Saturday, and fair organizers expect the good times to continue to roll. Highlights on the schedule include a demolition derby at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; quads and motocross racing at 7:30 p.m. Thursday; and a truck pull at 7 p.m. Friday, followed by fireworks; and a market animal sale Saturday, including swine, lambs and steers.
And following a years-long tradition, second-grade students from the McGuffey School District will attend Got Ag Friday, which will include lessons on animal care and local history.
Hours will be 4 to 11 p.m. today through Friday, and noon to 11 p.m. Saturday.
Organizers estimate that about 17,000 people will attend over the fair’s six days. They are well on their way.
For more information, visit www.westalexfair.com.