Kids, Animals, Rides

Ten-year-old Savannah Herndon was slightly nervous as she strutted her stuff Wednesday for the judges. Or, rather, as she walked her 6-month-old sheep, Socks, and allowed it to show off.

Animal contests and shows were one of the many spectacles that the Albemarle County Fair has to offer its patrons this year. From a Ferris wheel to funnel cakes to a husband-calling contest, the county fair has something for everyone — one of the reasons it is still going strong and attracting families after 27 years.

“It’s supposed to be a family event,” said Rob Harrison, president of the Albemarle County Fair Board of Directors. “We’re trying to keep it reasonably priced so people can afford to bring their families out.”

The board spent about one year planning and about $180,000 for this year’s fair.

This year’s fair, in the North Garden area off of Plank Road, features a plethora of contests, including hog calling, home brews, best honey,

hot dog eating and lawn mower races, as well as many spectacles such as a petting zoo of small animals, livestock auctions, country, gospel and bluegrass music, several equine demonstrations in addition to several other rides and attractions — all for $7 a ticket for adults, $6 for seniors 60 and older and $3 for children 6 to 12. Children 6 and younger get in free.

Yet, what seems to draw people are not so much the crazy rides and contests but simply the fair’s rural atmosphere.

“It’s sort of a celebration of rural culture and rural life in Albemarle County,” Harrison said. “That’s something that still has relevance. … It does remind [people] of earlier days and earlier situations.”

Perhaps the most rural aspect is the fair’s many farm animals, a favorite of children and parents alike, and even of this year’s Miss Albemarle County Fair, Ryan Tillery, who has been attending the fair since she can remember.

“My favorite part is definitely the animals,” Tillery said. “I’ve learned a lot. I’m getting cultured.”

Livestock farmers such as Paige McGrath, who raises llamas, bring their animals to the fair and teach those who are willing to learn.

“The one thing that stands out at this fair are the patrons,” McGrath said. “There’s a degree of people who show a genuine interest [in the animals]. They’re a joy to talk to.”

McGrath, who has traveled with her llamas as far as Missouri, noted that Albemarle’s residents are much friendlier compared to people she has met at other fairs, people who have spit and thrown objects at the llamas.

“The fair is really based around agriculture,” said Wayne Shifflett, who judged animal contests Wednesday and has worked with 4-H for more than 20 years. “It’s a lot of exposure for agriculture in a county that’s nowhere else to be found without the fair.”

The fair is not all fun and games. Vendors use the fair as an opportunity to reach out to members of the community as well. According to Ken Hall, a member of the Central Virginia Beekeepers Association, the fair is an excellent opportunity to educate people.

“This is our main outreach to the public,” Hall said. “It’s letting them know that bees aren’t something that just sting. They’re very important to the food chain because of all the food they pollinate.”

Both democrats and republicans had tents at the fair and were handing out balloons and pamphlets trying to get the message across that their presidential candidate will be the winner. But even the tense competition between the two parties cannot overshadow the friendly atmosphere of the fair.

“We’re still trying to hold on to our rural roots,” said Nancy Chappell, who volunteers with the Obama campaign. “It’s still a friendly community.”

As for Savannah and Socks, they took home first prize.

The fair will run through Sunday.