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Local News

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Opening day means competition
LaRiche Toyota-Subaru
By JOY BROWN

STAFF WRITER

A quiet, leisurely stroll up the midway on the first afternoon of the Hancock County Fair served as a counterpoint to the intensity inside barns and buildings.

Wednesday was judgment day for competitive types of all ages and talents, and no one was taking it very lightly.

Eyes bored into the baked goods judges as they sliced into sugar-coated pies, scooped small bites into their mouths and sighed with the heaviness that only such an hours-long eating event can bring.

An empty lawn chair stood sentinel before the Grange Building's arts and crafts entries, waiting for its owner to have a seat and scrutinize the afghans piled on glass display cases.

A Junior Fair vegetable judge, eyeballing a pile of beans perched on a paper plate, was not particularly pleased. "More strings than beans. Ah, let's give them a 'B,'" he said to the recordkeeper.

Dog obedience judging may have been the quietest tent around, with only the sound of chains rattling as owners ordered pets to sit before a judge.

But weeks, months and years-long endeavors were paying off for many.

Down a ways from the inferior beans was Zach Scoles' meticulously remodeled 1953 John Deere 40 tractor. The Cory-Rawson FFA member had won grand champion and best of show ribbons for his shiny green and yellow machine, which was stealing attention away from the cornhole games constructed by other fair competitors.

The rooster judge praised a group of 4-H members for raising "beautiful birds," which he said were "in great condition for the most part."

"We've got some good pigs out here, certainly some muscular pigs," said an announcer in one show ring.

Despite the comparatively cool, sunny weather, reminders were offered regarding the animals and heat exhaustion. "Make sure that if you're in the barn holding rabbits, that you're not holding them too long. They'll get too hot, and then bad, nasty things can happen," said an announcer during rabbit judging.

Freshly paved walkways, in places that used to be covered with dirt and gravel, were so smooth and convenient that they seemed to go unnoticed by all but those using assistance devices like scooters and canes.

Near the new lanes, lunch-goers ordered perennially popular items like Be Tran's eggrolls and cheeseburgers made with Hancock County-raised beef.

There were new food offerings, too. This year, the Van Buren boosters tent is selling sausage gravy and biscuits daily starting at 8 a.m. until they are sold out. Across the lane, Papa John's has a booth with $2 pizza slices. And just east of the pizza purveyor is a towering, shiny Jalapeno's Mexican grill booth offering burritos and the like.

Old and new, fun and sedate offerings are sprinkled at other fair venues, too.

Updated landscaping at Old Millstream Park, beside the senior fair office, offers more shady places to sit and relax. "I've got to have my lemon shakeups," said a woman walking down the midway.

Ballot issue promoters, politicians and churches are again present. Even the guy dressed like the Statue of Liberty, usually seen dancing outside Liberty Tax Service on Tiffin Avenue, is there.

Demand for rides was slow Wednesday afternoon, but Burton Brothers was prepared for an attendance uptick later.

"No broken bones or injuries permitted," stated a ticket booth sign.

Brown: 419-427-8496,

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4 Comments

Latest comments listed first.
Doug wrote:
Ride prices
“ I went to the Fair yesterday with my grand children and upon entering I was given a Fair Program which states ride tickets could be purchased @ 20 tickets for $15.00. Upon buying tickets the signs read 20 tickets for $18.00! I am guessing the pricing was worked out with The Burton Bros. prior to printing these programs, and with a tanked economy you would think the someone would be held to their word! Someone isn't talking to someone and we are paying the price!! Almost sounds like Politicians have taken over the Fair!!!!!!!

As far as changing the the traffic patterns in and out of the Fair, I give kudos as traffic sure moved easier getting out of there yesterday!!! ”
Friday, September 04, 2009 8:39:26 AM
TC wrote:
traffic
“ I couldn't agree more with CS. We went to the fair Wednesday night. We waited for about 45 minutes on Sandusky just to get in to the parking area off of Fishlock. Then when we went to leave, we waited about 30 minutes in line just trying to get out! Maybe we need to rethink this great new traffic pattern!! ”
Friday, September 04, 2009 8:27:39 AM
fairgoer wrote:
Fair
“ I was at the fair yesterday and everything looked very nice. However I wanted to comment on the rides being slow. Maybe its because the price of tickets and bracelets. For 1 ride you have to buy like 5 tickets. And if you want a bracelet its $17. thats ridiculous!! Especially for families with multiple kids. How can anyone afford this with the economy like it is. Maybe Burton Brothers need to rethink the price!!! Some fairs include rides with admission prices....man that would be nice! ”
Thursday, September 03, 2009 3:32:03 PM
CS wrote:
The fair......
“ I would like to know who's genius idea it was to change the traffic in & out of the fair? My thought has always been, if it's not broke, don't fix it.
Obviously, someone thought their plan was somehow better than the 'just fine' way it's been done for yrs. & yrs.
I've heard this change is for the concert on Fri. OMG, I'd better stay home on Fri. because the traffic in Findlay is going to be atrocious! ”
Thursday, September 03, 2009 9:13:51 AM
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Little Rock Nine

LITTLE ROCK NINE: Jefferson Thomas, who was among nine black students initially barred by the Arkansas governor from attending Little Rock Central High School in 1957, spoke to Findlay students as part of Black History Month. The crisis was a pivotal moment in the struggle for civil rights.


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ME...ME...ME...Shut up already
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News Briefs Hospital releases accident victim
A Findlay man who was injured in an ATV accident Friday afternoon has been treated and released from the hospital.

Jason Walters, 33, of Findlay, was taken by Hanco EMS to Blanchard Valley Hospital following the accident. According to the Hancock County Sheriff's Office, Walters was riding an all-terrain vehicle west of Findlay along Ohio 12, east of Hancock County 88. He hit a stone driveway embankment and was thrown from the vehicle.

Civl rights leader to speak at ONU
ADA -- The Ohio Northern University Office of Multicultural Development presents guest lecturer and American civil rights leader Jefferson Thomas at 7 p.m. Thursday in the McIntosh Ballroom.

This event is free.

During the 1957-58 school year, Thomas was one of nine African-American students, nicknamed "the Little Rock Nine" who participated in the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Ark. The event is considered by many to be among the most significant catalysts in the civil rights movement.

Careers in Music Day scheduled
BLUFFTON -- Bluffton University will host a Careers in Music Day for high school students from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 15 for students interested in Bluffton's music program.

High School students will sit in on classes, take a short complimentary private lesson, visit with music faculty and participate in a music ensemble rehearsal. All events are held on the Bluffton University campus. Registration is required by Feb. 12.

Students will have the chance to audition for a music scholarship. In order to register or obtain more information, visit www.bluffton.edu/mus/performday, email Lucia Unrau at unraul@bluffton.edu or call the music department office at 419-358-3347.

ONU band plans winter concert
ADA -- The Ohio Northern University Freed Center for the Performing Arts presents the Symphonic Band Winter Concert at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18.

Tickets are on sale now: $15 for general admission, $12 for seniors and non-ONU students and $9 for children.

The Freed Center box office is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Phone orders are accepted with American Express, MasterCard, VISA and Discover by calling 419-772-1900. Tickets are also available online at www.freedcenter.com.