Officials: 'Great' year at York Fair
By CHELSEA SHANK The York Dispatch
yorkdispatch.com
09/19/2012
Before the York Fair even began this year, Mike Froehlich was already thinking about next year's fair.
yorkdispatch.com
09/19/2012
Before the York Fair even began this year, Mike Froehlich was already thinking about next year's fair.
Froehlich became the York Fair's first full-time general manager in 2008 and says a lot of people ask him what he does the rest of the year, since the fair is only 10 days long.
But the fair takes a full year to plan.
Each of the 30 staff members must wear two hats, as they also plan for events held throughout the year at the York Fairgrounds and Expo Center, Froehlich said.
"We had a great fair this year, there is no doubt about that," Froehlich said.
"Fairs have to reflect the diversity of their communities, and York has a strong agricultural heritage and when you come to the fair you see that," he said. "Our livestock entries were up this year, and we have a strong 4-H and FFA program, and the horticulture hall was full, too."
"The educational animal birthing center was once again a huge success," Froehlich said. "We had a number of live births that took place throughout the fair, even though we cannot guarantee a live delivery. I think that's a highlight for people."
Other bright spots: The grandstand concerts were very successful, and the ride company brought in more than 50 rides, which was an increase from previous years, he said.
Another huge hit was the exotic animal petting zoo added this year, where visitors could see exotic birds, lemurs, camels, giraffes and other animals.
"There was always a long line getting in there. I wish there was a way to get people to move through there quicker, but that's just the nature of the beast, no pun intended," said Froehlich with a laugh.
The butter sculpture, roaming performers and circus act were also popular, but Froehlich said the success of something does not necessarily guarantee its return the following year.
"Some things you have to change around so that people say, 'Hey, what are we going to see at the fair this year?' You have to build that
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