How to go
What: 149th Shelby County Fair
When: July 26-Aug. 1
Where: Fairgrounds, 655 S. Highland Ave., Sidney
Admission: For those 36 inches tall and over, $8 daily includes rides, entertainment (except demolition derby)
Season pass: $20 with discount ride bands available
More information: (937) 492-7385 or www.shelby countyfair.com
SIDNEY — There’s a new twist to the 149th Shelby County Fair, thanks to the economy.
Jerry Schaffner, fair secretary/manager, said a number of things will be done differently at this year’s fair in hopes of luring people despite widespread concerns about their pocketbooks. The fair kicks off Sunday, July 26.
“We are trying to keep everything as reasonable as we can,” Schaffner said, pointing to one-price admission and special days such as a “kids day” and “industrial days” Sunday and Wednesday for participating industries around the county.
The one-price admission format is new this year. Anyone 36 inches or taller can pay $8 for daily admission for the fair, rides and all entertainment, except the demolition derby.
The demolition derby cost $3 for 12 and younger, $5 for 13 and older.
Among new events are a “Guitar Hero” competition, which has drawn a lot of entries, and a Shelby County Idol Contest. “Some of these things we have never done before,” Schaffner said. The goal: to get people through the gates.
Fair entries, which close this week, “look good” so far, Schaffner said.
Entertainment includes Sammy Kershaw at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 30, and Phil Dirt and the Dozers at 8 p.m. Aug. 1. A clown circus and hypnosis show will perform daily.
The fair annually attracts about 35,000 people, with the 2008 turnout “pretty good,” Schaffner said. “Everybody would always like to see more because we live off our gate. This year ... we will be in trouble if we don’t get people coming to the fair.”
With that in mind, fair organizers are encouraging people to visit their local fairs. “Tell people they need to attend their fair, no matter where it is,” Schaffer said. He has already attended four this summer.
Miami County’s Fair is Aug. 14-20, the Great Darke County Fair is Aug. 21-29, and the Champaign County Fair is Aug. 7-14.
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