It was a hot week at the Orange County Fair.
The longstanding fair featured entertainment, animals, competitions and more Wednesday through Saturday, June 25-28. Because of the weather, including the heat and rainstorms, attendance was lower than usual. Fair association board member Jamie Lamb estimates 2,500 to 3,000 visitors attended throughout the week.
“When we saw that the temps were going to be so high, we had to lower our expectations of attendees,” he said. Lamb said Saturday was the biggest night, featuring the demolition derby which always draws a crowd.
The heat called off Wednesday’s horse show, but 4-Hers took turns showing off their animals throughout the four-day event. The tiniest 4-H members, the Cloverbuds, also showed their animals, parading through the fairgrounds daily with chickens, goats, cows and more.
Entertaining visitors were Jay Mattioli with his electrifying magic show and Gail Mirabella with her Dynamo Dogs and Pool Party Pooches. Lamb said Mattioli’s show was a favorite among fair goers.
“He was a big hit with all ages,” Lamb said.
The Dynamo Dogs were also a hit, showing off rescue pups and their tricks.
A new queen was also crowned during the fair. Twenty-three contestants from all ages competed in the fair pageant with Emily Ryan being crowned Miss Orange County Fair. The fair is a qualifier for the Miss Virginia Association of Fairs Scholarship Pageant which will be held at the Omni Homestead in January.
For more information about the Orange County Fair, visit https://orangecountyfairva.com/ or follow https://www.facebook.com/orangecountyfairassociation/ on Facebook.
Editor’s Note: We hope to run a list of 4-H livestock show winners and homestead best in show winners in the coming weeks.
