Lawnmower race draws 1,600; agriculture events grow more

By COBY LaRUE
Staff

Attendance at this year's Alleghany County Agricultural Fair was down from last year overall, with a rainy week ‘dampening' several events. However, livestock and exhibits, which truly form the backbone of the fair, enjoyed good attendance and some growth in participation this year.

"That's what the fair is really all about," Fair Committee Chair Theresea Williams said. "We are very pleased with our livestock shows and all the entries, which include youth and adults in our horticultural, handicrafts, clothing, baked goods, canned goods, field crops departments.

RACE TIME — In the photo at left, Jim Hudson heads for the checkered flag and first place in the senior division of the lawnmower race. Above, Greg Walker kicks up some dirt as he leads Ronny Woodie around the track in the modified division championship race. Walker finished first in the premier event, with Woodie in second. Woodie had better luck in the mini-super stock and mini-modified divisions, finishing first. Complete race results appear on Page 3.

"The exhibition building was completely full this year," she said. About 150 people exhibited items and total prize money paid out to those entries was about $1,500.

Williams noted that the fair was blessed with a good turnout from volunteers to assist with all the events.

"There are numerous volunteers who spend their time out there all week and we appreciate them greatly," Williams said. "We couldn't do it without them."

The ATV Rodeo, which had been set for Wednesday night, had to be postponed until Sept. 14 due to muddy conditions on the track. The race will begin at 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Demolition Derby, the last event planned for the fair, remains scheduled for this Saturday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. Images of the derby may be found online at http://web.infoave.net/~wonderthru/1derby2001.html

"Overall, the rain hurt us some," said Williams. "We felt like we had some real fine events that didn't draw as many people as we would have liked."

The gospel show with Michael Combs and the Brinegar Family that was slated for Thursday night enjoyed nice weather, but low turnout. Only about 300 people came out for the show. Earlier in the day, the rain had been falling, but the sun came out late in the day.

Friday night's bluegrass show with the Lonesome River Band did slightly better, with about 420 turning out. Damp weather may have been a factor with that show. "We think the rain may have led some people to stay home that night as well."

Get the rest of this article in this week's issue of the Alleghany News!

Back