Eat, Sleep and Breathe the Fair

The Muskingum County Blue Ribbon Fair is well into it’s second day and while many people around our area take part in the fair they might not realize just how much work it takes to put it on.

Some people wake up there every morning, eat their meals there and sleep there- 250 to 300 people eat, sleep and breathe the fair this week. But it’s not just this week, for many the fair has been a daily part of their lives for months.

“No later than July and then we really get into the fair thing. You know we got the grounds we make sure everythings ready. It takes us like I say a good two months before the fair with somebody out here everyday,” says Bill Agin, Fair Board vice president.

The Fair Board stays at the grounds everyday for two to three weeks before the fair and they’ll be at the fairgrounds 24/7 this week.

It’s not just the Board that’s so involved, 4-H participants showing animals are also on site all day and night. Some have been preparing for fair week since last year.

“I’ve had him since he was born, he was born our farm, a little longer than a year,” says Andrew Fisher, who’s showing a steer. “You gotta spend a lot of time with your animals and make sure they’re all right.”

“Usually i put tons because i feed them and walk them everyday so they’ll be good,” says Denver Conrad, showing hogs.

Though it’s a huge time commitment everyone says it’s worth it.

“It’s great for the community and you know it’s a nice, and we’re proud of the kids what they do here and if you’re family oriented and everything this is a great place to be,” says Agin.

“It’s just fun, Idon’t know, and worth the money,” says Kyle Conrad.

Whatever their reason they say they’ll be back to do it again next year.

Most people will not get a break after the fair closes Saturday. The meeting to start planning the 164th will be the second week in September.