Fair forecast

By Hannah Wever
Review Staff Writer

Published: July 10, 2008

Orange County citizens pay homage to the region’s agricultural legacy every July with the annual Orange County Fair. This year’s fair kicks off July 24 and 4-Hers, families, exhibitors, and just about everyone else around the county is gearing up to “Rock With the Stock.”
The traditionally styled fair will be held July 24-27 at Montpelier’s paddock, and features perennial favorites like livestock shows, live musical performances, contests, food and old-fashioned fun.
When gates open Thursday July 24 at 3 p.m., kids will likely leap into the Moon Bounce while racing fans cheer for their favorite speeding swine at the pig races. There are a number of curtain calls throughout the evening for the Madison Menagerie Puppet Show, while 4-H goat show exhibitors prepare for their 5 p.m. gate call in the show pen.
The mightiest and most muscled in the land will vie for the title of winner at the straw bale toss, and the most beautiful ladies-and gentlemen-will compete for a crown, showing their superlative grace and presence at the 21st annual Mister and Miss Beauty Pageant at 7 p.m.
Local hoofers, the Orange County Cloggers will take the stage and observers can watch a live goat-milking demonstration presented by 4-Hers.
Beauty knows no gender in the wildly popular Womanless Beauty Pageant.
“Everybody loves it-the local people love it. They look forward to it every year,” Orange County Fair Board President Keith O’Connor said.
“The tent is packed-it’s packed!” Orange County Fair Board Entertainment Chairman Susie Swope said. Male contestants compete based on their charm and feminine qualities-dressed as women, she explained, to the delight of the crowd.
“It’s so hilarious,” Swope said.
There’s still time to enter, and don’t worry if your fellow doesn’t have the right shoes, Swope said. There will be a trunk full of makeup, gowns and accessories there at the fair.
Paintball enthusiasts will enjoy demonstrations by Relentless Attack Paintball, a competitive paintball organization specializing in technique and new technology and equipment.
Swope said she expects Relentless Attack’s demonstrations to be well-attended. “A lot of people are doing paintball now,” she said.
Zarate will perform Bolivian folk music in the paddock throughout the fair, Swope explained.
“It’s the music of the Andes,” she said. “It’s soothing, relaxing music.”
Orange County’s most health conscious chefs will compete in the recipe makeover contest.
“You take your favorite recipe, you dress it up and make it healthier,” Swope said.
Fido and Fluffy will have their chance to win a championship in the Pets on Parade pet show. Awards are given to pets of any species (except snakes and wolf hybrids) for cutest, most unusual, biggest ears, softest, and other categories.
Weekend-long, headliner music acts will include: Southern Style, a longstanding local favorite featuring Leigh Ann Yurasits and daughters Jamie and Julia; J. Blackwell, whose love for country and rock classics can be traced back to childhood in Orange County; John Keifer and Friends, with well-loved rock standards; and Touch of Dixie, a local band with a special Dixieland Jazz flair. Silver Creek will take the stage with southern rock standards.
A special musical act is Gene Hoyle and Friends. Hoyle is a longtime Orange resident who now lives at Dogwood Village of Orange County, where he and his ensemble entertain residents with bluegrass and country classics.
“Gene and his friends have agreed to get together and come and play at the fair,” Swope said.
Gospel music fans will be delighted to see two groups on the schedule this year: the Greater Love Quartet and Zion Song Trio. And clogging fans will be treated to all they care to watch at the all-day Orange County Clogging Competition.
Back by popular demand this year is Wes Iseli with an all new ilusion and magic show. Another returning favorite is the pig races.
“We didn’t have the pig races last year, and a lot of people wanted to see them again,” O’Connor said.
And although last year’s livestock competition’s and exhibits were minus the chickens, ducks and geese, O’Connor said poultry will return at the 2008 fair.
“We’re going to have poultry again this year,” he said. “Last year we couldn’t have poultry because there was a ban on it from the state because of Avian flu.
There are plenty of activities planned for all ages, Swope promised. Little ones can visit the petting zoo, jump on the Moon Bounce or enter to win the children’s pedal tractor pull. Folks of all ages-as long as they have an appetite-can compete in a number of food-oriented challenges, like the pizza or watermelon eating contests. There are games of skill and animal shows, auctions and bake-offs.
“I think the whole weekend is packed with everything this year. There are so many activities for the kids, and there are things for the older crowd to just come sit and listen,” Swope said. “It would be hard to come and be bored, that’s for sure.”
The Orange County Fair opens Thursday July 24 and runs through Sunday July 27. Admission Thursday for adults (13 and up) is $3, $1 for children (5-12), and children 4 and under are admitted free. Admission on Friday, Saturday and Sunday is $6 per day for adults, $3 per day for children (5-12) and children 4 and under are admitted free. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
For more information, call (540) 661-5393, or visit the website at http://www.orangecountyva
fair.com.