The Amador County Fair wrapped up its four-day run with a record-breaking Jr. Livestock Auction. Buyers ignored the smoky haze from the Sand Fire and the triple digit heat to spend more than $540,000 in support of Amador County youth. The livestock sale in 2013 brought in just over $330,000.
"We had a phenomenal Fair," said CEO Troy Bowers, "In spite of the challenges faced by the community with the nearby Sand Fire and the heat, we had the opportunity to remind ourselves of the way this County comes together. Our staff, the entertainers and vendors, volunteers and exhibitors all worked together to make this Fair truly reflect our theme of There's No Place Like Home."
While attendance dropped off during the heat of the day, crowds packed the Fairgrounds during the evening hours to enjoy the Muttin Bustin, Truck Pulls, Rodeo and Destruction Derby. A big hit this year was hypnotist Susan Rosen who had some fun with her subjects. The Spazmatics packed the Blue Moon Picnic Lawn once again as did the Rhythm Ryders' tributes to Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline, Strait Country tribute to George Straight saw our largest Sunday night crowds ever.
Even though the Fair was in full operation mode, the Fair did not hesitate to offer to shelter animals that needed to be evacuated from the Fire. "One of the most important roles of California Fairs is to provide our facilities in emergency situations for housing both animals and families when necessary," said marketing director Karen Spencer. "Thanks to ACART (Amador County Animal Response Team) and the Amador County Animal Control crews we were able to shelter 18 horses plus chickens, rabbits, goats, dogs and cats. PETCO of Jackson generously delivered food, bedding, pens and other supplies within hours of hearing of the situation."
Bailey Lubenko was crowned Miss Amador County Fair and Carisa Swason was named Miss Amador Rodeo Queen. Lora Lee Warden won the Peoples Choice Award in the Art Department for fine art and Dorothy Magoffin won for photography.
Tickets purchased at the gates showed an increase on Thursday and Friday, but with the fire and the heat a decline was seen on Saturday and Sunday during the day. Final attendance numbers will not be available until pre-sale purchases are analyzed.
Posted by TSPN TV on Monday, July 28, 2014
