Fair breaks records…again

An estimated 50,000 people came to the Sanders County Fair over the past week, a record number and up almost 15,000 from last year, according to Fair Manager Mike Hashisaki.

“It really went well,” Hashisaki said. “We had a great turnout and for the most part really great weather for everyone to enjoy the fair.”

The fair kicked off last Monday with judging in home economic events. However, things really began to get underway on Thursday, as many of the students in Sanders County were out of school and the motocross event took place.

“Like we see every year, it starts off as a county fair on Thursday moves to a regional fair on Friday and then by the weekend it just pretty much explodes,” Hashisaki said.

For the most part the fair saw good weather. The only real exception would be Sunday night at the demolition derby, as the arena was hit with cooler weather and some rain.

However, that didn’t seem to stop the thousands of screaming fans in the packed to capacity stadium.

“The derby is always one of our most popular events and it almost always sells out,” Hashisaki said.

He also said that he believes the ride wrist bands were a hit this year. Instead of having to buy tickets, people could get the option of pay $20 in advance or $25 at the fair for a wristband that would give them unlimited rides on the attractions on a day of their choosing from noon until midnight.

“It seems like those were really popular, especially with the kids,” Hashisaki said. “It gave them a lot more rides for their money.”

The ride midway was a popular place, especially with the younger crowd. However, with several rides that were geared more towards teenagers and young adults, there was a mixture of ages taking part in the various rides.

Also popular were the games where you could win prizes. It was quite common to see people carrying around large stuffed animals or inflatable mallets with them; prizes they had won during tests of their skills.

By Sunday night many of the food vendors had sold out of some of their selections based on the demand they had throughout the week. Other merchandise vendors also saw some of their items dwindling as people decided to pick up items for around their house.

“It is really a diverse fair with everything that you get,” Hashisaki said.

With carnival rides, tons of food, merchandise vendors, 4-H exhibits, rodeos, motocross, helicopter rides and the demolition derby, it is easy to see why people come from all over the area to participate in the Sanders County Fair.

“This year was really a big success and we hope to be able to continue with that as the fair goes on year after year,” Hashisaki said.

For now Hashisaki and the rest of the fair commission and some volunteers will spend this week cleaning up the fair grounds and, if you can believe it, getting the area ready for their Christmas lights display, which will be lighting up the area at the end of November.