York Fair opens on time and with nearly everything in place
CHARLIE LARDNER -- The York Dispatch
09/09/2011
Despite a difficult setup due to the recent torrential downpours, the York Fair opened on time Friday with very few exhibits missing.
For example, the pumpkin display and contest didn't have as many entrants as the previous years, but fair president Gene Schenck said the deadline was extended so late-comers will be permitted to get their entries in anyway.
And though he won't have attendence numbers until tomorrow, Schenk said visitor volume appeared normal for the Fair's first day.
"Not every exhibit got here because not everyone could travel due to the rain, but you'd never know it by walking around. Old Main is full," Schenck said at 2:30 p.m. "First Fridays are always soft, but we are doing well. Dinner is when you get the biggest crowd, so we'll know then."
And, true to Schenck's predictions, some fair-goers interviewed were indeed just beginning to show up late afternoon for the many food offerings.
Connie and John Patterson of Seven Valleys said they took advantage of a coupon that allowed two visitors free entry on the first Friday.
"We saw the free admission coupon and so we stopped in for lunch," Connie said.
Ashley and Jeremy Myers stopped at the Orient Express ride that had captured the interest of their 4-year-old daughter Chastity.
"Just a little family outing," Ashley said.
And though workers were pumping out a deluge of water that had flooded the basement of Memorial Hall, visitors and vendors remained pretty much unaware that was going on.
About the only thing that got delayed before opening day are some signs and banners, but Schenck said crews will get on that late Friday.
"The setup people and vendors deserve all the credit," Schenck said. "I mean they were out there in the downpours this week setting up tents. You couldn't imagine worse conditions, but they got it done and it looks good."
For example, the pumpkin display and contest didn't have as many entrants as the previous years, but fair president Gene Schenck said the deadline was extended so late-comers will be permitted to get their entries in anyway.
And though he won't have attendence numbers until tomorrow, Schenk said visitor volume appeared normal for the Fair's first day.
"Not every exhibit got here because not everyone could travel due to the rain, but you'd never know it by walking around. Old Main is full," Schenck said at 2:30 p.m. "First Fridays are always soft, but we are doing well. Dinner is when you get the biggest crowd, so we'll know then."
And, true to Schenck's predictions, some fair-goers interviewed were indeed just beginning to show up late afternoon for the many food offerings.
Connie and John Patterson of Seven Valleys said they took advantage of a coupon that allowed two visitors free entry on the first Friday.
"We saw the free admission coupon and so we stopped in for lunch," Connie said.
Ashley and Jeremy Myers stopped at the Orient Express ride that had captured the interest of their 4-year-old daughter Chastity.
"Just a little family outing," Ashley said.
And though workers were pumping out a deluge of water that had flooded the basement of Memorial Hall, visitors and vendors remained pretty much unaware that was going on.
About the only thing that got delayed before opening day are some signs and banners, but Schenck said crews will get on that late Friday.
"The setup people and vendors deserve all the credit," Schenck said. "I mean they were out there in the downpours this week setting up tents. You couldn't imagine worse conditions, but they got it done and it looks good."
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