The Meadville Tribune

Transcription

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MEADVILLETRIBUNE.COM: Relive your heartwarming
memories of last year’s fair with our slideshows
Friday, August 19, 2016
2
CRAWFORD COUNTY FAIR
Platten had to fight for her dream of being an entertainer
By Jane Smith
You can go
SPECIAL TO THE TRIBUNE
WEST MEAD TOWNSHIP
— Pop-rock is the musical genre
of the Toyota dealer-sponsored
concert Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
at the Crawford County Fair as
Rachel Platten takes the stage.
Her opening acts are A Great Big
World adn Larkin Poe.
Platten has come a long way from
her days of toting her 80-pound keyboard up five flights of stairs to her
apartment in New York City after
performing in clubs around the city.
Today she is living her dream
of singing and entertaining.
Patten grew up in Boston, loving
music and enjoying the sounds of
hip-hop. She played classical piano
and knew she could sing. However,
she had no model to follow.
Rachel Platten, A Great Big World and
Larkin Poe perform Wednesday at
7:30 p.m. on the stage in front of the
grandstand at the Crawford County
Fair. Ticket prices range from $17 to
$38 depending on the location of the
seats. Those purchased in advance
of the show day also include the $8
admission fee to the fair. More information: Go to crawfordcountyfairpa.com.
INSIDE: The Toyota Group sponsoring fair’s main music acts, Page 8
She enrolled in college, studying
international relations with the goal
of helping people communicate with
each other. While studying abroad,
she performed in front of 80,000
people at the International Soca
Monarch Finals in Trinidad. Despite
the traditional butterflies most
performers have when entertaining
See PLATTEN, Page 18
Rachel Platten
A Great Big World
Contributed photos
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Fair branches out with
night of Christian music
By Jane Smith
3
You can go
WEST MEAD TOWNSHIP
–– “Good music that has a great
message.” That’s how Mariah Shannon describes concerts by Casting
Crowns, a Christian pop group that
performs Saturday, the opening night
of the Crawford County Fair.
“And it’s a lot of fun,” she added.
Shannon, who is youth pastor at
Trinity United Methodist Church
at Conneaut Lake, said she has
seen Casting Crowns in concerts at
Creation, a Christian festival in the
eastern part of Pennsylvania.
She is among many who are
looking forward to the band’s local
appearance, although she admits she
will be pretty busy that day because
her daughters show animals at the
fair. But she’s hoping by the end of
the day she can take in the concert.
Doug Tucker, also of Conneaut
Lake, already has tickets for himself
Tickets for the Casting Crowns
and Building 429 are available at
the Crawford County Fair web site,
crawfordcountyfairpa.com, or at the
Crawford County Courthouse today
from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ticket
prices range from $17 to $38, based
on the location of the seats. Tickets
purchased in advance of the day of
the show also will admit ticket holders
to the fair free of charge. If purchased
the day of the concert, an additional
$8 admission fee is charged for fair
admission.
Casting Crowns
and five others.
“First and foremost, the music,”
Tucker said, explaining why he is so
excited about the performance. He
said the music also is a form of
worship and he hopes to be able to
worship as part of the concert.
Tucker believes it is so important
to support the Crawford County
See CHRISTIAN, Page 5
Contributed photos
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4
‘Whispering’ Bill Anderson going strong after 60 years in the country scene
By Jean Shanley
he said in a phone interview from
Nashville.
Although he is known as “WhisWEST MEAD TOWNSHIP
pering”
Bill Anderson for his soft
–– It has been 60 years since Bill
vocal
style,
he said he doesn’t just
Anderson hit the country scene and
“stand
and
sing,
but entertains.” His
he’s still going strong.
show
includes
a
variety
of songs,
Headlining the country music
from sad to fun, he said.
show Tuesday night at this year’s
Among his 29 top 10 singles
Crawford County Fair, Anderson
(including seven No. 1 songs) are
has one big goal — he wants the
such hits as “Still,” “Po’ Folks,” “8
audience to enjoy the show.
by 10,” “Mama Sang a Song,” and
When it’s over, he hopes the
reaction will be “boy, that was fun!” “The Tip of My Fingers.”
You can go
The “Whispering” Bill Anderson show, with opening act “Ultimate Tribute to
Johnny Cash,” is free with paid admission to the Crawford County Fairgrounds
on Tuesday. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. on the main stage.
Also known as a songwriter,
Anderson penned his first hit, “City
Lights,” at age 19 at his home in
Georgia. He moved to Nashville
and signed a recording contract with
Decca Records.
He not only performed, but also
became a well-known songwriter
who at age 23 was the youngest writer to be named country’s
“Songwriter of the Year.” He held
that title until Taylor Swift won the
award at the age of 21.
Although he enjoys entertaining,
Anderson said if he is to be remembered for anything, he’d like it to
be for his songwriting because a
performance is for one night but the
songs last a long time.
As a songwriter, he holds the
distinction of having a song in the
country music charts for seven
consecutive decades, the only writer
to do so.
Among the most recent hits
he has written or co-written are
“Whiskey Lullaby,” sung by Brad
Paisley and Allison Kraus, “A
Lot of Things Different,” sung by
Kenny Chesney, “Give it Away” by
George Strait and his latest, “Country,” performed by Moe Bandy.
Anderson said the biggest change
he has seen in country music
since he started are the songs with
positive themes being performed.
He explained that country used to
be all about “going in a bar and
getting drunk because your wife left
and the dog left, too.” Today’s hits
are “much more positive music,”
he said, and then laughed as he
acknowledged that “Give It Away”
wasn’t really all that positive.
He said although today’s more
positive messages have more
appeal, he can still write and sing
about life but he believes people relate to the more positive music. He
believes the positive music is largely responsible for the revitalization
of country music in recent years.
One other change over the years
is the way writers collaborate on the
songs. He used to write virtually by
himself, pulling down the shades as
he wrote. Today co-writers make
appointments to write and then sit
down and collaborate. That started
in the 1990s, he said, adding it is a
little more structured and is taken
very seriously. He said he feels very
fortunate to have experienced both
types of songwriting.
A highly successful songwriter,
Anderson said he gets his ideas
from everywhere —conversations,
reading a book, life itself. “One
minute you’re looking at a blank
piece of paper” and then “the good
Lord” provides inspiration, he said.
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Anderson has received widespread recognition for his contriBill Anderson is a highly
butions to country music. He was
successful songwriter who
named to the Country Music Hall of
says he gets his ideas
from everywhere.
Fame in 2001.
A six-time Songwriter of the
Year award winner, Anderson was
inducted in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame at the age of 40. In
2002, he was the first recipient of
the BMI Icon Award in recognition
of his career as a songwriter and entertainer, which has included work
as a TV host for such shows as
ABC’s “The Better Sex,” “Fandango,” “Country’s Family Reunion”
and “Larry’s Country Diner,” as
well as radio shows and as a member of the Grand Ole Opry for more
than 50 years.
“The Country Family Reunion”
programs started in 1997 when he
was asked to host the show. He
recalled his immediate answer was
“When do we start?” The popular
collection of country musicians
sharing memories and entertaining
has been really fun, Anderson said.
In addition to his music career,
Anderson recently wrote his autobiography,”Whispering Bill Anderson
— Unprecedented Life in Country
Music.” It is being published by the
University of Georgia, where he
Nashville.
He said the publisher chose the
studied journalism before moving to
Christian
Since then, the group has won 14
Gospel Music Association Dove
awards, three Grammy awards, an
Continued from Page 3 American Music Award, three platinum albums, two platinum DVDs,
Fair Board in its decision to bring
two gold albums, two gold DVDs
Christian entertainment to the fair.
and sold more than 8.2 million
He said while he has nothing
songs, making Casting Crowns the
against the traditional country music top selling Christian artists for the
concerts at the fair, he thinks it is
past four years.
great that the fair board decided
The group is known for consisto branch out to bring a group like
tently releasing albums of music
Casting Crowns for a concert.
that tackle topics of life’s chalCasting Crowns is headlining
the contemporary Christian pop/
rock concert, which also features
Celebrating
Building 429.
Casting Crowns, which was
of service to
formed in 1999 by Mark Hall, a
Northwestern
youth pastor at First Baptist Church
Pennsylvania
in Daytona Beach, Fla., is now
based in Atlanta.
Deriving its name from a verse
in Revelations that says to lay your
crowns before the cross, Casting
Crowns took off in 2003 when its
album,”Casting Crowns,” hit the
record charts.
30 YEARS
5
title. His choice for the title would
have been “Still Whispering,” a
connection to the soulful song that
was one of his biggest hits.
He expects the book to come out
in September. In October, an audio
version is scheduled to be released.
He did the audio himself, believing
the story is more meaningful being
read by the author who may laugh and
choke up emotionally at times. Asked
what people might be surprised to
know about him, he laughed as he said
when they finish reading the book,
they will know everything about him.
At age 79, he still performs
regularly on the Grand Ole Opry
as well as about 35 other tour dates
annually.
He expects to do more touring
next year as he promotes the sale of
the book.
In addition to Anderson, the
free show includes an opening act,
“Ultimate Tribute to Johnny Cash”
presented by Terry Lee Goffee.
Goffee, who grew up in Byesville, Ohio, comes from a family of
musicians.
He moved to Fort Lauderdale,
Fla., in 1979 to begin a country music career and became lead singer of
a band.
However, he changed directions
and spent 18 years as a minister traveling the country to spread the gospel.
In recent years, he developed
and now performs his tribute to his
musical hero, Johnny Cash.
lenging moments from a Biblical
perspective.
Opening for Casting Crowns
is Building 429, whose name is
derived from Ephesians 4:29, which
encourages people to build people
up according to their needs.
Building 429 first topped the
charts in 2004 with “Glory Defined”
and has built what is described as
one of the Christian music community’s most impactful ministries. Band members believe their
gifts from God and their experiences
in life blend together in their music.
Their fifth and latest album,
“Listen to the Sound,” is described
by lead vocalist Jason Roy as “the
overflow of the life that we’ve lived
over the last two or three years,
especially this past year.” Roy has
said that collectively the songs on
“Listen to the Sound” acknowledge
life’s struggles, but points to the
hope, grace and love of God. He
said songs such as “War Zone,”
“Where I Belong” and “You Save
Me” are resonating strongly with
people in the midst of trials.
“Glory Defined,” the group’s
first hit, was named BMI’s Christian Song of the Year in 2005 and
the same year Building 429 was
named New Artist of the Year at
the Gospel Music Association’s
Dove Awards. The band also was
nominated in the rock/contemporary
Album of the Year and Song of the
Year categories.
Contributed photo
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6
Fair’s West End Stage entertainment keeps growing each year
By Mike Crowley
MEADVILLE TRIBUNE
WEST MEAD TOWNSHIP
–– What started off just a few years
ago as a plan to provide a little free
music on senior citizens day at the
Crawford County Fair has expanded
each year since.
Since that humble beginning with
just four bands under a tent near the
Fair Board office, the free musical
performances have expanded to a new
stage with bands performing every
afternoon of the fair with the exception
of the opening Saturday. In addition,
the free performances have a new,
more permanent home on the West
End Stage. The stage area has been
improved each year, said Carolyn
Turnbull, and now includes a roof, a
professional sound system and two
sets of metal bleachers for spectators.
Turnbull has shepherded the
free concerts from their humble
beginning to their present status as a
fixture on the fair schedule.
“We’ve tweaked it each year,”
West End Stage events schedule
Sunday
1:20 - 2:20 p.m. ZPraise
2:40 – 3:40 p.m. Seventh Day, Saegertown United Methodist Church
4:00 – 5 CQ, Stone United Methodist Church Praise Band
5:20 – 6:20 Dave Buchanan Band
Monday
1:20 — 2:20 p.m. Picks & Hammers
2:40 – 3:40 Picks & Hammers
4:00 – 5:00 3C Praise Band
5:20 – 6:55 Shades of Time
Tuesday
1:20 – 2:20 p.m. Mark Pacileo
2:40 – 3:40 Drew Danielson on Ukulele
4 — 5 Pic-a-longs
5:20 – 6:20 NW PA Ukuleles
Wednesday
1:20 – 2:20 p.m. To be announced
said Turnbull as she described the
growth of the West End Stage.
“When we started, Bill Winters
said, ‘This is great, but we need
to find a place for you,’” Turnbull
said. “We were blocking the drive
where the ambulances needed to
go by.” Winters is the Fair Board
member who has backed the idea of
the free musical performances since
2:40 – 3:40 Richard & John
4 – 5 Go For Broke Acoustics
5:20 – 6:20 Gem City Revival
Thursday
1:20 – 2:20 p.m. Family Living Department using stage for
demonstrations, but no band
2:40 – 3:40 Jason Papinchuak
4 – 5 Pic-a-longs
5:20 — 6:20 Square Roots
Aug. 26
1:20 – 2:20 p.m. Family Living Department using stage for
demonstrations, but no band
2:40 – 3:40 Devine Inspirations
4 – 5 Flap Jacks
5:20 – 6:20 Diamond in the Rough
Aug. 27
1:20 – 2:20 p.m. Home Remedy
2:40 – 3:40 Misery Bay Dulcimer Club
4 – 5 Emil & the Palookas
5:20 – 6:20 Sarah Lowe
Turnbull suggested it to him.
The consistent crowds led to the
construction of the West End Stage
and the event has take off from there.
“I have worked at this since
March,” Turnbull said of this year’s
lineup. “I go listen to all of the bands. I
want to know what they’re playing.”
Those bands make up a diverse
group, though they all tend to have
a historical quality to them. None of
the bands will be playing hard rock
or contemporary pop music.
Acts range from Turnbull’s own
Pic-a-longs, a group of retired
schoolteachers playing music from
the ‘60s — the 1860s, that is — to
the Shades of Time, playing big
band music of the 1940s to the
NW PA Ukuleles, playing — you
guessed it — ukulele music.
The primary genres represented
will be country, blues, Celtic, jazz,
bluegrass, big band and 1950s-style
rock’n’roll, Turnbull said, but she
was especially excited about the
schedule for Aug. 21. “Sunday is
filled up with praise bands,” she said.
Like the diverse nature of the
bands, Turnbull stressed the diverse
nature of the crowds at the West End
Stage. “A lot of people pick up their
food and come and sit under the trees
where we are and listen,” she said.
“We get seniors and families with
young children, all kinds of people.”
The crowds seem to feed off the
enthusiasm of the musicians, who
are all playing for their love of
performing.
“The only payment these people
get is that they don’t have to pay
that day to get into the fair,” said
Turnbull.
Mike Crowley can be reached at
724-6370 or by email at mcrowley@meadvilletribune.com.
POWERING
TM
Proudly supporting the Crawford County Fair.
XYZ
7
8
The Toyota Group
sponsoring fair’s
main music acts
MEADVILLE TRIBUNE
Fans flock to the racetrack and grandstands each year for the fair’s music acts.
Meadville Tribune file photo
WEST MEAD TOWNSHIP ––
The three concerts at the Crawford
County Fair are sponsored by The
Toyota Group — Palmiero Toyota
Scion of Meadville, Superior Toyota of Erie and Allegheny Toyota of
Franklin.
Allison Palmiero Brady of Palmiero Toyota Scion said, “As a Toyota
group, we try to do things to thank
the people who support us locally.”
She said they started working
with the Crawford County Fair
Board a couple of years ago.
She said George Deshner, who
handled acts for the fair, and Anne
Hall, secretary, suggested Toyota
host a free concert.
The reaction from the Toyota
group was “that is perfect,” Palmiero Brady said.
She said, “When we live in a
community, our responsibility as a
business owner is to give back,” and
the fair is a good way to do that —
give back and have fun too.
Palmiero Brady said the response
to the announcement that Toyota is
sponsoring the free concert by Bill
Anderson has been wonderful. She
added that one man from Franklin
told them, “My wife and I are so excited about Bill Anderson,” adding
“you picked a good one this year.”
Deshner, a Crawford County
Fair Board member in charge of
entertainment, said new technology
is being used this year which will
allow video screens to show up
better during daylight hours.
He added the screens will be installed higher also so everyone can
see the performances.
MEADVILLETRIBUNE.COM
ONLINE: Watch
time-lapsed images
of the fair coming
to life!
XYZ
9
10
Fair loaded with
free programs and
entertainment
By Lorri Drumm
MEADVILLE TRIBUNE
the Zerbini Family Circus features aerial acts, juggling, balancing and animal acts.
Meadville, PA
724-6211
WEST MEAD TOWNSHIP —
Whether you visit the 71st annual
Crawford County Fair just once this
summer or spend the entire week
cruising the fairgrounds, there are
lots of ways to make the most of
your visit with free programs and
entertainment.
The fair is Saturday through Aug.
27 at the fairgrounds off Route 77,
one mile east of Meadville.
Starting Sunday and running each
day thereafter, the fair will feature
bands performing on the West End
Stage. Bands from a wide variety
of musical genres are scheduled to
play for an hour each day starting at
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1:20, 2:40, 4 and 5:20 p.m.
Another regular performance that
will amaze young and old alike is the
Zerbini Family Circus. The circus
features aerial acts, juggling, balancing and animal acts. There are two
circus performances daily, Monday
through Aug. 26 and three shows on
Saturday, Aug. 27. The performance
times will be announced by the circus
when it arrives.
Fans of harness racing will want to
plan on attending the fair early in the
week. There is no additional cost to
watch as horses pull a sulky around
the track on Monday and Tuesday at
11 a.m. at the Grandstand. 4-H robotics club members have
spent months preparing for the fair.
All that work will be presented the
first morning of the fair, on Saturday
at 10 a.m. The 4-H Robotic Exhibition will take place at the tent between the rabbit and poultry barns.
The robotics exhibition will feature
14 junior and intermediate age 4-H
science project members racing
battery operated toy cars that they
built from a kit and two senior age
4-H science project members racing
light spider robots that they built from
a kit, according to Paula Lucas, youth
development/4-H Extension educator
at the Crawford County Penn State
Extension Office. A new 4-H club was
formed called Bolts and Bytes 4-H
Club this past fall, Lucas said. “Members learned about circuits, wiring,
soldering and light bulbs, just to name
a few topics, at monthly club meetings,” she said. “The items members
built will then be on display in exhibit
building No. 1 during the fair.”
If pile-drivers and power-slams
are part of your favorite sport,
hopefully as a spectator, your paid
admission to the first day of the fair
will include a free chance to cheer
for your favorite professional wrestler at MADMAR Entertainment’s
“A Fair Amount of Insanity 15”
show at noon at the Youth Show
Arena. According to A Fair Amount
11
$2.95 per month for
the first 3 months
Fans of harness racing will want to plan on attending the fair early in the week.
of Insanity’s organizers, the show
features a “manure match” and
special guest, professional wrestling
superstar Raven.
Day two of the fair includes an
assortment of free entertainment
from morning to night.
Gearheads will want to make
their way to the infield of the fairgrounds bright and early Sunday for
a car show for all makes and models
starting at 10 a.m.
Sunday afternoon is a sweet time
to learn how bees keep busy every
day. A honey demonstration will
take place at the Fair Office Pavilion at 3 p.m.
Sunday evening is a time for
both dancing and pageantry. Square
dancers will swing their partners at
the Livestock Complex at 7 p.m.
while young ladies will compete
for the title of 2016 Miss Crawford
County Fair Queen at the Grandstand, also at 7 p.m.
Each pageant contestant must
be a full time resident of Crawford
County. The newly-crowned queen
or the first runner-up, in the queen’s
absence, must be available to attend
the Pennsylvania State Fair Convention in Hershey in January. The contestant will be selected on the basis of appearance,
speaking ability, poise, personality, and a general knowledge of the
Crawford County Fair. The judges
will be looking for a person who
can best represent a wholesome
attitude toward the Crawford
County Fair and the agricultural
community.
Contestants for the title must
write an essay focusing on “What
My Fair Means to the Community.”
The contestant must also give a
speech or skit that is no more than
three minutes long, on “Why You
Should Come to the Fair.”
This year’s queen will be
crowned by 2015 Queen Elizabeth
Acel, who graduated from Maplewood Junior-Senior High School
in 2014. She was an 11-year 4-H
member, and plans to become a 4-H
leader in the future.
Monday through Aug. 27 afternoons during the fair offer the
perfect opportunity to learn about a
mixture of topics from local experts
See FREE, Page 19
Culligan of Meadville
16039 Conneaut Lake Road
Meadville, PA 16335
814-337-0733
culliganprowater.com
For breaking Crawford County Fair news,
visit meadvilletribune.com
12
New demolition derby company offering new twist this year
By Dan Walk
MEADVILLE TRIBUNE
WEST MEAD TOWNSHIP — If
you show up late to the afternoon
demolition derby Aug. 27, you’ll
miss a unique event that includes
children.
Fairgoers familiar with watching
and listening to metal smashing
into metal annually at the Crawford
County Fair’s demolition derby
have a chance to see a smaller —
and likely cuter — plastic version
with kids on Power Wheels.
The Power Wheels children’s
derby is something that Derbydog
Productions, this year’s new demolition derby company at the county
fair, brings to the table.
Here’s how it works: 1- to 9-yearolds wearing helmets compete,
though it’s rare anyone younger
than 3 participates in the derby,
You can go
Derbydog Productions demolition
derbies are Aug. 27 at 2 and 7 p.m.
in front of the grandstand. Grandstand seating is $6 and track-side
seating is $10 for the 2 p.m. derby,
which begins with the Power Wheels
children’s derby. Grandstand seating
is $7 and track-side seating is $10 for
the 7 p.m. derby. Tickets are on sale
the day of each event at the fair’s
ticket office.
according to Jeremy Hejduk, owner
and creator of Derbydog Productions, which is based in Ohio. The
Power Wheels derby lasts 15 minutes, but the winner isn’t decided
by which vehicle is left running —
unlike the adult derbies.
“Power Wheels are plastic cars
with plastic parts,” Hejduk said.
“We can run them for an hour and
they still wouldn’t die.”
Contributed photos
The Power Wheels children’s derby is something that Derbydog Productions, this year’s new demolition derby company at
the county fair, brings to the table.
Instead, after the 15-minute
derby, all participants line up their
Power Wheels and the winner of a
drag race is awarded the championship trophy. Everyone also gets
a participation award. Upwards of
60 kids can compete, though it’s
rare to see that many participants,
Hejduk said.
For those interested in participating in either the child or adult
derbies, the Crawford County commissioners office inside the county
courthouse at 903 Diamond Park
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Meadville, PA 16335
Phone (814) 724-6110
Fax (814) 337-5820
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and tractor pulls are Monday at 7
p.m. and Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. in front of
the grandstand. Grandstand seating
is $7 and track-side seating is $10 for
each pull. Tickets are on sale the day
of each event at the fair’s ticket office.
has entry forms, or you can sign up
the day of the show.
“It’s so much fun. The fans get a
kick out of it,” Hejduk said about
the Power Wheels derby. “We want
to bring families and kids into it.”
After the power wheels competition, the adults compete in modified
full-size cars, modified compacts
and mini vans/sport utility vehicles/
mini trucks during the 2 p.m. show.
The 7 p.m. show is expected to include stock full-size cars, modified
compacts, full-size trucks and stock
compacts.
While you can make changes
to your vehicle in the modified
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– 71st ANNUAL –
CRAWFORD COUNTY
FAIR
14
MEET THE 2016 CRAWFORD COUN
Sutherlyn Grace Hollabaugh
Contestant 1
Age: 18
Hometown: Guys Mills
Parents: Stephen and Susie Hollabaugh
High school: Maplewood
College: Freshman at Clarion University, majoring in
speech pathology
Earliest memory of the fair: “Is back from when I was
about 5 or 6 and all I wanted to do was search for a horse that
was for sale in the barns and try to talk my parents into buying
it for me.”
My favorite part of the fair: “Would have to be the versatility class that the Saddle Horse and Pony Department has
on Tuesday night. It has always been fun to compete in and
definitely very exiting to watch if you are a spectator.”
I’d like to be Crawford County Fair Queen because: “I
have been coming to the fair for as long as I can remember,
and have brought horses in for the past eight years. The fair
has been and always will be something that is very dear to me.”
Amanda Danielle Fry
Contestant 4
Age: 17
Hometown: Centerville
Parents: Rodney and Tammy Fry
High school: Maplewood
Earliest memory of the fair: “Is showing pigs at a young
age, in a huge arena, having a giant smile on my face and
receiving a trophy and blue ribbon during show day.”
Favorite part of the fair: “Is having quality time with my
family and 4-H Club. Being there all week is a blast, just hanging out playing cards and having a good time.”
I’d like to be Crawford County Fair Queen because: I
enjoyed the pageant a lot last year and the women that run
it are so amazing and fun to be around. I want to be able to
represent the fair because it is my home for a week and I enjoy
being there.”
Kaleigh White
Contestant 5
Age: 16
Hometown: Linesville
Parents: Ron White and Corina White
High school: Conneaut
Earliest memory of the fair: “Is letting the butterflies go
with Miss Lace every year. One year, on the last day, we got
ice cream and watched the fireworks.”
Favorite part of the fair: “Is entering crafts that I made and
flowers that I grew. Even if I don’t win first place (although I
normally do!), it’s really cool to see my works on display.”
I’d like to be Crawford County Fair Queen because:
“The fair is like a second home to me. I get to go with my family all day, every day, for a week, looking at all the animals and
seeing the tractor pulls and the horse races. Ever since the first
time I saw the pageant, I’ve dreamed of one day representing
the fair as fair queen.”
Six to compete for title at ‘Sound of Music’-themed pageant
By Jane Smith
WEST MEAD TOWNSHIP — A
new Crawford County Fair Queen
will be crowned Sunday at 7 p.m. at
the fairgrounds. The event is free with
paid admission to the fair and it is held
on the main stage at the fairgrounds.
Six young women are vying for the
title, which carries with it the right to
compete in the Miss Pennsylvania Fair
Pageant in January. It also includes
a $750 cash prize, $250 of which is
awarded when she is crowned and the
balance at the end of her reign.
The first runner-up receives a cash
prize of $250.
Contestants will be judged on
appearance, speaking ability, poise,
personality and general knowledge
of the fair.
Contestants had to submit a 300word essay on the topic “What My
Fair Means to the Community.”
In addition, they have to speak or
perform a three-minute speech or
skit during the pageant on “Why You
Should Come to the Fair.”
The theme for this year’s pageant is
“Sound of Music.” Fair Board Secretary/Treasurer Diana Perry returns as
director, filling in for Tiffany Conley,
who recently had a baby. Katie Wickert is assistant director; Sylvia Cagle,
choreographer; and Dottie Grattee and
Shelby Proctor, “backstage moms.”
VIDEO ONLINE: Last year’s queen crowning and parts of the talent competition, meadvilletribune.com
15
NTY FAIR QUEEN CONTESTANTS
Photos by Victoria’s Photography
Jaydyn Isiminger
Contestant 6
Age: 16
Hometown: Union City
Parents: Michael and Junia Isiminger
High school: Union City
Earliest memory of the fair: “When I was a young child
I would love to hear my parents tell me to go hop in the truck
because we were heading to the Crawford County Fair. I would
be full of excitement because I knew that I would be able to
show off my favorite cow, enjoy the most delicious ice cream
and have people ask me what my favorite part of living on a
farm was. I remember my very first year of 4-H and being able
to show on my very own. Towards the end of the week, I won
the 4-H Most Outstanding Dairy Girl, a tremendous honor. I
always looked forward to the fireworks show. The fireworks
seemed like they lasted forever with the amazing colors bursting in the air one right after another. When the fireworks show
finally ended, my parents told me it was time to say goodbye
and start counting down to the next year.”
Favorite part of the fair: “My major enjoyment as a young
child was the midway and the fair rides, however, this changed
as I grew older. My favorite part of the Crawford County Fair
now is the great love and peace the consumers and exhibitors
both show toward each other. Being a member of Townville
Champs Dairy 4-H Club, we always decorate our area in the
barn with a theme to connect to the public. While entertaining
with decorations, you can provide answers to the public on
any misleading statements or questions so they have a better
understanding on how their food is produced by farmers.”
“When I was a young girl, I dreamed about being the Crawford
County Fair Queen riding around in parades and learning
more about different animal species other than dairy cows. As
I have gotten older, my dreams of being involved with agriculture grew more and more. I believe the Crawford County Fair
Queen is the best advocate of hard work, determination, serving our community and truly makes a difference. I would love
to be a role model for both the younger and older generations
by teaching them about agriculture and the fair itself.”
Katelyn Neff
Contestant 3
Age: 19
Hometown: Cochranton
Parents: Shane and Colette Neff
High school: Cochranton
Earliest memory of the fair: “When I was younger, my
babysitter was one of Boots Dunn’s daughters. She would
always take me and her nephew up to the fair to watch the
harness racing. My mother grew up to be very close to Boots’
family, and we were always either in the horse barn trying
to stay out of the way even though I really wanted to pet the
‘pretty horsey’ or at the track cheering them on. Afterwards
we’d get an order of Grandpa’s fries for lunch. To this day, they
are still one of my favorite fair foods.”
Favorite part of the fair: “The people you meet and having
the ability to educate them. Being a person who spends most
of her week in the dairy cow barn, I see many people who
have not the slightest knowledge of the cows. I always love
taking a little kid up to pet the cow or sit with them for a picture.
It’s very important that we as exhibitors are polite and informative to the public to keep them coming back and so they know
the facts. There is always someone who asks do cows have
teeth? Can they bite you? And that’s when you just chuckle a
little and show them the truth. That’s what I love about our fair.”
“The Crawford County Fair has always been part of my life,
from coming to the harness races, watching the demolition
derby, concerts and, once I was older, helping with truck
and tractor pulls, and of course, showing dairy cows. I feel
that I can represent the fair very well. I feel that I can be very
informative to visitors and even to those who have never been
to the fair (if there even is a person within a 50-mile radius who
hasn’t!), but with our fair being one of the largest agricultural
fairs east of the Mississippi and myself having an agricultural
background, I feel that I can do very well at representing all
aspects of agriculture that comes along with the rides and food
and other attractions at our fair.”
Kaitlyn E. Gage
Contestant 2
Age: 16
Hometown: Meadville
Parents: Ron and Janyelle Gage
High school: Saegertown
Earliest memory of the fair: “Was when I was 6. I was in a
pink cast after breaking my ankle about a week before the fair
started and I remember being devastated because the fair is
what I looked forward to every year. That year I spent my time
at the fair in a wheelchair with one of my dad’s socks over the
cast to keep it clean. While being pushed around the fair by
my parents, I remember getting upset that I couldn’t see some
of the animals. When my parents saw that I was unhappy they
started picking me up so that I could still have fun and see the
animals I so dearly loved.”
Favorite part of the fair: “Everything! I love the atmosphere, the people, the entries, the questions on agriculture
from the public, the food and the fun. There isn’t just one part
of the fair that I go to see. I go to the fair, get my daily slushies
and a variety of fair food. I view all of the exhibits from one
end of the fair to the other. I answer anyone’s questions about
4-H, my fair projects and farming, and of course, I always love
taking my 4-H animals and seeing that all the work that I have
put in was worth it.”
I’d like to be Crawford County Fair Queen because: “I
feel that I would be able to represent our fair and its importance to our community. Since I was little I have wanted
to compete for the chance to be the Crawford County Fair
Queen. Now that I am old enough, I am jumping at the opportunity. I believe in everything that our fair stands for and I want
to share it with anyone and everyone. From the exhibitors,
the vendors, and those who attend the fair, I think that all our
fair has to offer should be expressed with those from different
counties and even different states and I consider myself to be
the right person for the job.”
ALLEN
GOOD
LASKO
WINTERS
KERR
DAVIS
KENNETH
PERRY
Fair Board members work year-round to make fair a success
By Keith Gushard
MEADVILLE TRIBUNE
Countless volunteers make Crawford County Fair work, serving
for the week administering various
aspects of the event or meeting and
planning year-round as part of the
nine-member Fair Board.
Fair Board members serve staggered five-year terms and are appointed by the Crawford County
Board of Commissioners. The Fair
Board nominates members for appointment or reappointment with
final approval of those appointments
by the county commissioners. Crawford County government owns the
fairgrounds complex.
While Fair Board members receive no financial compensation for
serving on the board, they often do
get a chance to meet the main entertainment acts that play the fair.
In order to have the annual eightday fair be a success each August,
the board meets year-round on a
monthly basis. During the fair itself,
the board meets daily on the fairgrounds to discuss and decide upon
matters that need attention. In addition, there are committee meetings
by board members for things like
buildings and entertainment.
“Even though we haven’t had the
fair yet, we’re already in discussions
for 2017,” Fair Board Secretary/
Treasurer Diana Perry said recently.
“We’ve got to keep working ahead.”
Current Fair Board members are:
• William Davis, a retired Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad employee, serves as president. He has served
as president since December 2014
and been on the board since 1990.
• Bill Winters, a local businessman, serves as the board’s first vice
president. He has served since 1991.
• Ronald Kerr, a retired banker,
serves as the board’s second vice
president. He has served since 1998.
• Perry, an elected county auditor,
serves as the board’s secretary/treasurer as well as a board member. She
has served since 2011.
• C. Sherman Allen, an auctioneer, farmer and a former Crawford
County commissioner, has served on
the board since the late 1980s.
• William Good, a retired school
teacher from the Titusville area, has
served since 2014.
• Ken Hyde, a farmer, has served
since 2002.
• John Lasko, a retired school
teacher, has served since 1998.
• George Deshner, a retired school
teacher and school principal, is the
board’s newest member replacing the late Walter “Boots” Dunn.
Deshner was appointed in April to
fill out the balance of Dunn’s fiveyear term on the board. Dunn, a past
president of the board for five years
and Fair Board member since 1970s,
passed away in February. Deshner
has served as stage manager for the
fair’s main stage for approximately
30 years.
Making the fair a success depends
on its many volunteers, Perry said.
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Fridays 5pm-8pm (8/19, 8/26, 9/2)
Saturdays 10am-1pm (8/20, 8/27, 9/3)
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18
Derby
Continued from Page 12
events, the stock vehicles are mostly
unaltered.
Hejduk, who started Derbydog
Of the 10 events held at the
Productions 10 years ago, has been
grandstand at the 2015 Crawford
participating in demolition derbies
County Fair, the Saturday night
since he was in high school —
demolition derby was the best profit
maker, with a net profit of approxiabout 20 years, he said. Though he
mately $31,000.
has finished in second place during
a number of derbies, first place has
always eluded him.
‘You make a far better promoter
“I sucked at derbies,” he said.
than driver.’”
Though it may not be visible to
“All my guys that work for me say,
Platten
In addition to performing, Platten
also is a songwriter. Her first hit,
“Fight Song,” took two years
Continued from Page 2 to complete. It tells the story of
before large crowds, the experience fighting for one’s dream and had
was a turning point for her. She was more than 2 million downloads in
the United States in 2015. Platten,
hooked on entertaining and after
graduating, she moved to New York in a phone interview, said the song
tells her story of working hard and
City to pursue a musical career.
fighting for her dream of being an
Despite struggling for a few
entertainer. “It’s about not giving up
years, she has no regrets. “Oh my
on yourself,” she said.
no,” she said. “I’m following my
The public response to the song
dream and doing exactly what I
was wonderful, she said, noting the
want to do.”
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all spectators, strategy is involved
in demolition derbies if you want to
win. And winning is worth it, considering between $600 and $1,000
goes to the victor at the adult Crawford County Fair derbies depending
on the event.
Hejduk believes part of the reason
he has never won is because he
throws strategy out the window.
“I just wanted to junk it,” he said.
“To win you have to play the game.
I was a guy that just wanted to ruin
someone’s day, and I had a lot of
fun doing it.”
In previous years, the grandstand
has been full or nearly full for the
demolition derbies — especially the
nighttime show.
Cars crashing, the noise and
the horsepower are the selling
points that make it one of the most
successful events at the Crawford
County Fair year after year. The
element of danger and destruction is
also helpful, Hejduk said.
As an added highlight for the
eyes and ears, once the nighttime
derby concludes, fireworks are
scheduled to go off at approximately 10 p.m. to conclude the
eight-day fair.
Speaking of noise and horsepower, the truck and tractor pulls
are also popular at the Crawford
County Fair. Two shows return this
year — one on Monday and the
other on Aug. 26.
The Monday show is expected
to include the Pennsylvania Posse
semi trucks, modified diesel 4x4
trucks and 7,700-pound classic
stock tractors. The Aug. 26 show
is expected to include limited stock
tractors, 9,500-pound farm tractors,
open 2.6 diesel 4x4 trucks and
6,500-pound work stock 4x4 trucks.
message was what many people
needed to hear. Many people wrote
to her and said they were encouraged not to give up.
The song led her to Columbia Records. Her first major-label debut,
“Wildfire,” was released this year.
In addition, she has released
music videos for the songs “Stand
By You” and “Better Place.” She is
thrilled with how both turned out,
noting many people can relate to the
messages.
Although her college degree is
in international affairs, she believes
her musical career is allowing her to
fulfill her dream of bringing people
from around the world together. She
has toured around the world and
said she has found people to be the
same no matter where they live. She
believes they all want to feel happy
and is pleased that her songs can in
some small way contribute to that
happiness.
Taking the stage prior to Platten
is A Great Big World, a duo from
New York City who are friends
of hers and have shared the stage
with her.
A Great Big World features the
music of Ian Axel and Chad King,
who met when both were students at
New York University.
Axel said he was studying music
business with plans to own a music
label some day. King encouraged
him to sing and he started as a solo
artist with King as his manager.
They started writing songs together
and soon were performing together.
They took their name from a line
in a song, “Cheer Up,” which talks
about it being a great big world.
In a telephone interview, both
spoke about how pleased they are
with the response to their music.
About a year ago, their music
was used on the TV show “So
You Think You Can Dance” and
was featured in a modern ballet-type dance.
They were thrilled when Christina Aguilera wanted to collaborate with them on their song “Say
Something.” In addition, their music
was heard on “The Voice” and on
“Good Morning America.”
They, like Platten, have used what
they learned as students to further
their careers and to be able to do
what they both enjoy doing, singing
and communicating with people.
King said he never thought about
performing until after he started
writing. “I am a dreamer for both of
us,” he said. He now believes they
can do anything they want to.
His advice to others who are
considering a career in music is to
make certain you really want to do
it and then “you have to have the
drive that you are absolutely going
to do it,” he said. “Do not stop even
when you get to the hard part. It’s
(success) just around the corner.”
Alex agrees, noting one needs to
stay committed and to work hard.
“We are living our dream,” he said.
Dan Walk can be reached at
724-6370 or by email at dwalk@
meadvilletribune.com.
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each day at 1:30 p.m. at the Exhibit
1 Building. The schedule is: “Art
Landscaping Quilts” by Sue Leonheart on Monday, “Spinning Wool”
by the Northwestern Pennsylvania
Spinners and Weavers Guild and
Elaine Fertig on Tuesday, “What is
the Vegetable Judge Looking For?”
by Mark Fieley on Wednesday,
“Finishing Off a Garment” by Lisa
Sheets on Thursday, “Preserving
Food-Drying” by Ginny Bryant on
Aug. 26 and “A Century of Quilting Traditions” by Cheryl Weiderspahn on Aug. 27. One additional
program takes place Tuesday at 3
p.m. in the Exhibit 1 building when
Master Gardener Kyle Wensel presents “Gardening in Small Spaces.”
The last day of the fair features
a couple fun and free activities that
kids and the young-at-heart may
appreciate. At 11 a.m. Aug. 27, a
Pedal-Power Tractor Pull for children ages 4 to 8 will be at the Youth
Show Arena. Not long after that, furry fashionistas will strut their stuff in
a Small Animal Dress-Up Contest at
5 p.m. at The Rabbit Barn.
One last free treat takes place at
the fair’s conclusion as fireworks
light up the sky Aug. 27 at about 10
p.m. The perfect viewing spot can be
found most anywhere in the vicinity
of the fairgrounds.
Lorri Drumm can be reached at
724-6370 or by email at lorrid@
Board
It doesn’t matter whether those volunteers are serving on the board or
heading the various departments of
the fair, they are working toward the
common goal of a successful event,
Perry said.
“To be a successful, smooth event,
everyone works hard and stays organized,” she said.
Keith Gushard can be reached at
724-6370 or by email at kgushard@
19
20
Legacy of longtime fair staple ‘Boots’ Dunn to live on
By Keith Gushard
MEADVILLE TRIBUNE
Though 2016 will be the first Crawford County Fair without Walter
L. “Boots” Dunn, a longtime Fair
Board member and past president
of the board, the Dunn legacy will
continue in at least two ways.
Dunn was a member of the
Crawford County Fair Board for 40
years and served as president of the
board for five years until declining
health caused him to step down
A nationally-known harness racing
horse breeder, owner and driver,
Walter ‘Boots’ Dunn (at left) was a
longtime Fair Board member and past
president of the board.
from the presidency in December
2014. Dunn, 85, died Feb. 3 at his
Cochranton-area home.
The Crawford County Fair Board
has dedicated its annual rule and
exhibitors book to Dunn for two
years in a row.
In 2015, the Fair Board honored
Dunn with the dedication while
this year the annual rule and exhibitors book is dedicated in memoriam to Dunn.
The Dunn family tradition with
the Crawford County Fair Board
goes back to his father, Walter L.
“Cubby” Dunn, who was one of
the Fair Board’s original members.
Harry Wentworth and Boots’ father,
Cubby, raced horses at the first fair
70 years ago. Boots Dunn himself
had been an avid harness race
horse trainer and driver up until he
reached his 80s, earning more than
1,150 wins in his career.
Boots wasn’t just a racer at the
fair. He also served as a long-time
coordinator of the fair’s Harness
Race Department — a job he
assumed in 1974 after his father’s
death. In between his scheduled
races, Dunn could be seen helping
groom the track to fix holes and
rough spots and ensure the grounds
were as safe as possible for not only
the horses, but drivers and track
personnel.
A nationally-known harness
racing horse breeder, owner and
driver, Boots Dunn also was a
long-serving member of the board
of directors of the U.S. Trotting
Association, a nonprofit harness racing association of horse
owners, breeders, drivers and
officials. His fellow Fair Board
members said Dunn helped other
fairs get as much as $10,000 from
the Trotting Association to pay
harness racing premiums for fairs
that faced a financial difficulty.
Plans are to have a Boots Dunn
memorial race during each of
the two days of harness racing at
this year’s Crawford County Fair
in honor of his harness racing
legacy, according to Lisa Dunn,
Boots’ daughter. Lisa Dunn has
taken over as coordinator of the
fair’s Harness Race Department.
She said she anticipates 10 to 15
harness races per day on each of
the two days.
XYZ
Stop by the Armstrong Booth in Home Show #1 and like us
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21
22
Office addition, barn upgrades part of $100K in fairgrounds improvements
MEADVILLE TRIBUNE
The Crawford County Fairgrounds
has had more than $100,000 worth
of capital improvements completed
as it prepares to host the 2016 fair.
Major work this year includes
completion of an addition to the
fair office, electrical work between
Gates 1 and 2, replacing the foundation and roof at a horse and pony
barn, bleachers, and updating roofs
on some of the livestock buildings.
While Crawford County government owns the fairgrounds and
almost all the buildings, the fair is
operated by an independent, volunteer board appointed by county
commissioners. Any profits from
the fair fund many of the improvements at the fairgrounds.
One major project was completion of
In the past four decades, more
the administrative office expansion.
$3.8 million in fair profits and state
grants have been used to improve
the fair’s buildings and grounds.
Routine maintenance as well
as upgrades to facilities are necessary to make the fair a success,
according to Diana Perry, secretary/
treasurer of the Fair Board.
“It’s like doing work on your own
home,” Perry said of upkeep of the
fairgrounds.
Often times the work doesn’t get
noticed, either, as it may be work
on utility lines or fixing a roof on a
livestock building.
plus has a $50,000 annual payment
The Fair Board’s capital budget
to the county on the 5,000-seat
runs more than $100,000 annually
grandstand. In 2016, the Fair Board
will make payment 18 out of 20 on
the $1 million loan it received from
the county to build the grandstand.
In 2015, Fair Board spent
$188,620.16 on capital improvements,
which included the $50,000 grandstand loan repayment. Major work on
PA071343
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2016
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the fairgrounds were the start of an
addition to the fair’s administrative
office at $42,000; concrete work at
the main dairy barn at $8,000; swine
staging pens for $18,000; draft horse
ring fencing at $8,000; improved
ventilation in the livestock complex at
$15,530 with a three-way cost split on
the project with county and Crawford
County Livestock Building Associ-
ation; and renovations to the first aid
building at $5,000.
For 2016, the Fair Board will
spend at least $155,000 on capital
improvements which includes the
$50,000 grandstand loan repayment.
Other major work is completion of
the administrative office expansion;
electrical work between Gates 1 and
2 at $15,000; replace the foundation
and roof at horse and pony barn,
$22,140; second phase of concrete
work at the dairy barn at $10,000;
electrical repairs at goat barn,
$4,000; new bleachers for sheep
show arena at $8,000.
While the annual Crawford County Fair runs for only eight days in
late August, the fairgrounds has
events almost each weekend from
May through September, according
to the county. There are multiple
events in different locations on the
grounds during some of the summer
weekends. It hosts numerous horse
shows and other events such as the
Relay for Life fundraiser for the
American Cancer Society.
23
County’s Agriculture Hall of Fame program to mark 35th year
By Mike Crowley
MEADVILLE TRIBUNE
The Crawford County Agriculture
Hall of Fame program will mark its
35th anniversary at the 2016 Crawford County Fair.
This year’s Agriculture Hall of
Fame inductees and the Agriculture
Industry Award winner will be
honored during an open program
at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Crawford
County Fair. The ceremony will
take place in the Youth Show Arena
and is sponsored by the Crawford
County Pomona Grange. Recipients
are selected by agricultural organizations and previous Hall of Fame
inductees.
Entering the Hall of Fame this
year are Debbie and Jerry Donovan
of Titusville and Francis Weiderspahn Jr. of Cochranton. Spaid
Farm Services of Saegertown will
be recognized with the Agriculture Industry Award. This year’s
honorees were all nominated by the
Crawford County Fair Dairy Committee, said Susan Tau, lecturer and
past master of Pomona Grange.
Married for 44 years, the Donovans have worked Wind-Port Farm
for the last 35 of those years. Named
for the windy hill it is located on beside the Titusville airport, the dairy
farm has developed from a hobby
into an award-winning business.
They have grown from 19 cows with
59 acres to support them to their
current level of about 100 registered
Holsteins and more than 100 acres.
The Wind-Port prefix — in
breeding the name of the breeder is
assigned to calves as a first name
or prefix — is known for the quality of its pedigrees. This spring, a
Wind-Port-bred cow took second
place among fall yearlings at the
California State Holstein Show,
just the most recent recognition
among many that Wind-Port cows
have earned.
Before being elected county
commissioner in 2011, Weiderspahn also operated a successful
dairy farm. In fact, he grew up on a
Crawford County dairy farm before
turning to carpentry as a young
man. But after about 14 years of
carpentry, Weiderspahn felt the
they continue to raise hay and oats
and keep a few chickens for eggs.
The Agriculture Hall of Fame in“I still enjoy it,” he said. “It’s my
ductees and the Agriculture Industry
time
to relax. And if I need to do
Award winner will be honored at a
free, open-to-the-public program and
some thinking, I can think while I’m
reception at the Crawford County
sitting out there on the tractor.”
Fair on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Youth
The recipient of the Ag IndusShow Arena.
try Award for 2016, Spaid Farm
Services, is owned by Merle Spaid,
farm life calling back to him.
whose generosity is well known
“It kind of gets into your blood, among his friends and customso to speak. My wife was gracious ers. As a provider of agricultural
and agreed to it even though she
services, Spaid has dealt with many
hadn’t been raised on a farm,” he
farmers in the area either through
explained. “I missed the animals,
delivering liquid fertilizer, building
working the land and raising crops. fences, both chain-link for many
I missed getting out on tractors,
years as well as high-tensile, or
too, and a farm, I always thought,
silage bagging.
was a good place to raise your
Raised on a farm in Crawford
children and teach them a good
County, Spaid has spent recent
work ethic.”
decades devoted to agriculture
At their peak they had a herd of
after leaving a career in banking
about 60 cows, including Holsteins, to return to his true passion. Over
Jerseys, and Brown Swiss, and
the years he has become known
tilled 80 acres. After his election,
for his work ethic and his sunny
the Weiderspahns sold their herd,
disposition.
but they still live on the farm, where
“He’s always doing something.
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He’s never still. He’s the type of
person that seems to get along with
everybody,” said Betty Spaid, Merle’s sister-in-law.
Spaid said the key to his positive attitude was his choice to
leave the corporate world to work
See FAME, Page 27
24
Big time tourism benefits, ‘grassroots’ exposure for businesses at fair
By Keith Gushard
“It allows us to give back to the
people who support us,” Palmiero
Brady said of the concert series
sponsorship and day sponsorships.
Allison Palmiero Brady calls the
annual Crawford County Fair grass- “It’s using non-traditional media to
get the word out.”
roots marketing for her business.
The business response from the
“It’s really non-traditional
advertising,” said Palmiero Brady, fair isn’t necessarily immediate,
who is president and general man- though, she said.
“It’s a relaxed atmosphere and
ager of Palmiero Toyota Scion of
Meadville, an auto dealership. “It’s people are able to have a type of
auto show and not have salespeople
wonderful exposure.”
there,” she said. There is staff at the
The dealership has a display of
display to answer questions, but no
vehicles along the midway. Palmiero Toyota Scion along with Dave sales personnel, she said.
“They can look at their leisure
Hallman’s Superior Toyota of Erie
and with no salespeople there is no
and Allegheny Toyota of Franklin
sponsor the fair’s three-part concert pressure,” Palmiero Brady said.
The Crawford County Fair
series. Palmiero Insurance, an associated but separate business, also is attracts tens of thousands of people
one of the day sponsors at the fair.
during its eight-day run with total
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and FFA members are admitted free
as are children under age 5. There
also are two days per week when
senior citizens are admitted free
2015* — 64,910
2014* — 63,577
before 5 p.m.
2013 — 70,708
Because of all the people flooding
2012 — 73,253
into the fairgrounds, the head of
2011 — 76,761
Crawford County’s tourist pro2010 — 71,626
* In 2014, the Crawford County
motion agency estimates the fair’s
Fair Board increased the daily gate
impact on the local economy to be
fee to $8 for everyone above 5 years
in the millions. That’s based on the
of age, but the price includes ride-afair’s paid attendance figures and
rama, which is a daily pass for the
state tourism spending estimates,
amusement rides. That price was
also in place in 2015 and this year. In
but there is no firm dollar amount
2013, the gate fee was $5 per person
on the direct or indirect economic
for those ages 12 and older with rideimpact of the fair.
a-rama an additional $20 fee.
“The (entertainment) acts bring
in a lot people — especially if there
paid attendance of more than 60,000 those ages 12 and older with ride-ais a concert on Saturday night,” said
annually the last two years. It previ- rama an additional $20 fee.
Juanita Hampton, executive director
ously attracted a total paid attenThe actual attendance at the fair
of the Crawford County Convention
dance of 70,000 and 80,000, but in
is estimated by fair officials at about and Visitors Bureau.
2014, the volunteer fair board raised twice the paid attendance number.
“We figure about 120,000 people
the daily gate fee to $8 for everyone That’s because others are admitted
come to the fair during its run,”
above 5 years of age, but the price
on paid exhibitor and concessionHampton said. “When they come
includes ride-a-rama, a daily pass
aire passes. Plus there are weekly
in, a lot of them stay — they’ll need
for the amusement rides. In 2013,
paid passes that don’t count toward goods and services in the area. All the
the daily paid attendance. Also, 4-H businesses in the area will benefit.”
the gate fee was $5 per person, for
If an average of 120,000 total fair
attendees spend just $10 each at the
fair or at surrounding businesses, it
puts $1.2 million directly into the
local economy. The number doubles
to $2.4 million in direct impact if
an average of $20 is spent by all
attendees.
However, the Pennsylvania Tourism Office estimates each person
vacationing in the state spends an
average of $114 per person per day,
Hampton said. The number grows
to $265 per person if people say
overnight, she said.
Money spent at the fair may circulate through Crawford County’s
economy between seven and nine
times, according to Hampton.
The money moves through the
local economy as people stay at a
local hotel or campground, eat in
local restaurants and buy gasoline,
groceries and supplies at area stores,
she said.
The money recirculates as local
businesses pay their employees,
who, in turn, buy goods and services
locally, she said.
Paid fair attendance
since 2010
The Crawford County Fair attracts tens
of thousands of people during its eightday run and its economic impact on the
region is estimated to be in the millions.
25
Longtime fair food booth no more, but
defunct club’s Christmas party lives on
By Keith Gushard
the Crawford County Fairgrounds will
was Sertoma’s president. “We’re
looking for a seamless transition to get a new use this year. Sertoma sold
the Elks. We’ve got a committee set its building to the Crawford County
Fair Board in May for $60,000.
up and working on it.”
For the first time in decades, the
While the Crawford County Fair
In
addition
to
his
role
as
president
Sertoma Club of Meadville will not
Board
owns the building, Crawof
the
Sertoma
Club,
Trace
serves
operate a food stand at the Crawford
ford
County
government owns the
as
exalted
ruler
of
Elks
Lodge
219
County Fair, but its annual Jimmy
fairgrounds
and
almost all the other
of
Meadville.
Moore Christmas Party for needy
buildings.
“We’ve
got
Sertoma
members
children will continue through
Altmeyer’s Trailer Sales &
ready to help with the party,”
Meadville Elks Lodge 219.
Western Wear is leasing the former
Trace said.
The Jimmy Moore Christmas
Sertoma building from the Fair
Tax deductible contributions for
Party is held each December —
Board for $900 this year as retail
the
Jimmy
Moore
Christmas
Party
serving area needy children with an
space, according to the Fair Board.
can
be
sent
to
the
Elks.
Contributors
age-appropriate present, hats, boots
“We’re probably looking at
should make checks payable to
and gloves as well as lunch and an
Jimmy Moore Christmas Party and continuing to use it as retail space
entertainment show.
(in future fair years),” Diana Perry,
mailed to Meadville Elks Lodge
It has been a Meadville tradition
a member of the Fair Board and
219,
15438
State
Highway
86,
since 1946 when Meadville fire
its secretary/treasurer. “We’ve not
Meadville,
Pa.
16335.
department “intercepted” a letter
really talked about it.”
Both Sertoma and the Elks are
Jimmy Moore sent to Santa, asking
whether Santa would stop at the boy’s recognized by the Internal Revenue
Keith Gushard can be reached at Former Sertoma Club President Dan Trace is seen working at the now-defunct
Service as tax-deductible charitable
home that year. Jimmy wrote that his
724-6370 or by email at kgushard@ club’s former food booth at the fairgrounds. The club sold the building to the
organizations, Trace said.
family was poor and could not afford
Crawford County Fair Board
Meanwhile,
Sertoma’s
building
at
gifts, and he wondered if that was why
Santa didn’t stop the year before.
The letter inspired the Meadville fire department to sponsor a
community party for children who
might not otherwise receive gifts
on Christmas. Over the years, many
Now thru October 2nd, 2016
groups have carried on the tradiUp
to $300 off, plus $300 tax credit cut for a total savings of $600
tion, with Meadville Sertoma Club
Select HARMAN Pellet Stoves and Inserts
serving as the local sponsor since
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the mid-1960s.
However, with an aging membership, Sertoma dropped to 10
members. The club opted to shut
down earlier this year because the
membership had dwindled so low it
couldn’t keep up with the demands
of fundraising for Jimmy Moore.
“Our membership just got too old
and too few,” said Dan Trace, who
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26
Fair’s wrestling event sure to be crazier than ever
By Pat Bywater
Strongstyle James Dean and Valik.
Dean has become obsessed with reWEST MEAD TOWNSHIP — A deeming himself from an embarrasshippy will fly, a lumberjack will try ing manure match loss to Valik four
years ago. Dean spent most of the
to chop down his rival, somebody’s
summer tracking down Valik, who
going to end up in a pile of manure,
retired, and recently located him at
a championship may change hands
Bill Lawrence’s Personal Fitness on
and a superstar known worldwide
Park Avenue in Meadville.
will make an appearance.
Valik — also known as Crawford
The free wrestling show at the
County Sheriff’s Office Chief DepCrawford County Fair is back and uty Neil Fratus — initially refused
crazier than ever for its 15th year. Dean’s challenge. Enraged, Dean
The sawdust and sweat starts flyattacked Fratus, and after the two
ing at noon Saturday in the Youth were separated, Fratus agreed to
Show Arena.
wrestle with just 12 days to prepare.
The biggest draw is likely to
Dean has vowed “finish it for all
be a wrestler who does not — at
time” at the fair and told Fratus
least officially — expect to have
“you will pray for mercy.” The only
an opponent. Raven, who is one
thing that is sure is that one of the
of the most decorated wrestlers in two will end up in a pile of manure
World Wrestling Entertainment
to end the match.
history, is set to be a guest ring enThe three-hour wrestling show is
forcer during the Luscious Rocky
expected to involve more than 20
Reynolds-Marcus Knight match.
wrestlers with matches including
The match between these two
tag-teams, women only, three wresnorthwest Pennsylvania rivals will tlers and MADMAR Champion Bill
be intense, and it could just be that Collier defending his title.
Raven will need to get involved to
For wrestler Reynolds, also
keep this match on track.
known as Titusville Police Officer
Another match that appears desAaron Madden, the fair show is a
tined to go out of control is the maspecial moment not just because he
has been a driving force in organure grudge match between Son of
MEADVILLE TRIBUNE
The free wrestling show at the Crawford County Fair is at noon Saturday in the Youth Show Arena.
nizing the effort since the start. It
also marks a new direction in his
wrestling career.
At about the time of last year’s
fair show, Madden was contemplating retirement from wrestling
while continuing to organize the fair
show. The time needed to prepare
for a full, year-long schedule was
getting harder physically as he aged
and Madden was concerned that he
needed more time at home with his
two young daughters and his wife.
At the same time, he was finding it
difficult to walk away from a sport
that he had been involved in since
he was a teen.
“I guess you could relate it to
drugs. I was pretty much overdosing on professional wrestling,” he
explained. But instead of going cold
turkey, he stepped down the dose. “I
needed to back off but the itch was
still there,” Madden said.
So, Luscious Rocky Reynolds
is still wrestling, but he’s doing so
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Madden’s struggle to adjust to the
role of wrestling in his life will be
detailed in a book titled “Abusive
Relationship: My Attempt to Escape
Professional Wrestling,” which he
expects to publish in the fall.
Meanwhile, some of the time
saved by cutting back on wrestling
has been devoted to a new effort —
bodybuilding.
“I am always curious how far I
can push before I can break,” Madden said. “I am always trying to do
things the average person can’t do.”
The notoriously tough wrestler
and gym rat quickly found that he is
in for a big challenge. “This is the
absolute hardest thing I have done,”
he said, detailing the food preparation regimen, calorie restrictions and
careful, lengthy workouts involved.
“It’s every day from as soon as I
wake up to when I go to bed.”
It also may have a big impact
on his work in the ring. Forget
Luscious. You’ll see Ripped Rocky
Reynolds at the fair show.
Pat Bywater can be reached at
724-6370 or by email at pbywater@
27
Luscious Rocky Reynolds
Raven (ABOVE), one of the most decorated
wrestlers in World Wrestling Entertainment
history, is set to be a guest ring enforcer during
the match between Luscious Rocky Reynolds and
Marcus Knight match.
VIDEO ONLINE: Relive the
appearance of last year’s
superstar Honkey Tonk
Man, meadvilletribune.com
Fame
there that still deserve recognition
agriculture community.”
for the Hall of Fame,” Tau said.
Mike Crowley can be reached at
“There is still a need to recognize
Continued from Page 23 all those individuals for the work
724-6370 or by email at mcrowand service they have given to the
ley@meadvilletribune.com.
for himself. “My thoughts are, if
you don’t love your work, get out
of it and do something you love,”
he said. “So many people are
trapped in jobs they have to go
to every morning and they don’t
even want to be there. I’m totally
the opposite.”
The Hall of Fame program was
instituted in 1981 by the Crawford
County Council of Farm Organizations. Since the council disbanded
in 1998, the Crawford County
Pomona Grange has administered
the program, Tau said. Each spring,
representatives of sponsoring
organizations and former recipients
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nominate and then vote on new
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The Meadville Tribune

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