Approximately 7,000 people attended the Madison County Fair last week.
The annual fair was held Wednesday through Saturday with entertainment, animals and more. Despite hot temperatures and Canadian wildfire smoke, patrons supported the fair as they always do. Fair board treasurer Cathy Weaver said the smoke did prevent the skydiver from dropping in just prior to the derby on Saturday, but overall the night was a major success. A pre-derby storm helped to clear the air and drop the temperatures.
Essie Berry said the livestock shows were well attended throughout the fair. On Friday, 114 animal lots were sold during the livestock auction for a total of $360,000.
“The livestock sale was a huge success for youth,” she said.
New attractions the All American Pig Races and Megamorph Transformer, a car which changes into a 13-feet tall transformer, were a hit. As always, the BLM Rodeo and the Demolition Derby were crowd pleasers.
The fair also featured live music, professional wrestling, axe throwing, Starfield Farms’ reptiele show, a mechanical bull and the National Wild Turkey Federation BB Shooting Range. The Virginia Giant monster truck offered rides on the track Thursday. Brinkley Entertainment, now known as Fun Time Amusement after a previous acquisition, provided a midway packed with games and rides.
Fair foodies enjoyed eating their way through the grounds with steak sandwiches, hot dogs, wings, barbecue, hamburgers, fries, pizza, blooming onions and ice cream. Local businesses Mugs ‘N Muffins and Anderson Handcrafted Pretzels were set up at the fair.
Numerous locals also won ribbons for their produce, food preparation and preservation, handcrafted items, flowers and photography. Landslide Pickles owner Lauren Thompson won a blue ribbon and Best in Show for her pickles.
The fair board is already hard at work on next year’s event. Anyone with suggestions or concerns is encouraged to email the board at madisoncountyfairva@gmail.com.
For more information, visit https://www.madisoncountyfairva.com/ or follow https://www.facebook.com/madcofairva on Facebook.
