The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
164th annual event ‘a very good fair,’ says director
The 2019 Lake County Fair wrapped up July 28, marking the historic fair’s 164th year.
Director-at-Large Bob Dawson said 84,078 people were admitted the fair this year, a 3 percent decrease from 2018.
The number does not include those that were admitted for free, although the amount of ride wristbands given out indicated that the attendance of free events increased from last year’s fair.
These included free-admission activities like Kids Day and Seniors Day.
About 87,000 were admitted to the Lake County Fair last year.
“All in all, (this year) was almost a mirror to last year’s fair,” Dawson said.
He added that a number of vendors mentioned that they had similar success to last year’s fair, if not better.
“We would consider this a very good fair,” Dawson continued.
He noted that the fair saw nice weather this year. It took place from July 2328, which was a change that was made in 2017.
Previously, the county fair had been held in midAugust.
Opening day of the 2019 fair featured harness horse racing, accompanied by 4-H agriculture and livestock showcases.
Various 4-H groups were also showcased throughout the fair’s duration, including those involved with shooting, archery, art, design and more.
At the livestock auction on July 27, over $173,000 was spent, according to a News-Herald article.
A rodeo also took place at the fair for the first time in a few years.
Dawson said that the board of directors will meet soon in order to discuss how the fair went and look at potential future changes.
Director Jerry Merhar previously said that one challenge is being able to bring in young attendees.
“We continue to strive for the perfect, record-setting haymaker of a fair that breaks the bank, as they say,” Dawson added.