Despite the rain, county fair a success this year!

The Tioga County Fair wrapped up on Saturday, Aug. 11, and Fair Board President Johnathan Marks couldn’t be happier with the results. 

Board members were looking for redemption this year because of the many problems experienced during last year’s fair, and Marks is reveling in it, stating that this was one of the most successful Tioga County Fairs to date with its historically low all-inclusive ticket price, new carnival company, along with the vendors and shows that took up the midway at Marvin Park. 

“The response we got from the attendees was overwhelmingly positive,” Marks said. The fair office and ticket booth watched as excited guests came and left. 

For every show, the grandstands were packed to capacity. The grandstand crowds were treated to Dash for Cash on Tuesday, three nights of demolition derby Wednesday through Friday, and continuation of 4-H shows and carnival rides on Saturday, in spite of the rainy weather. 

Gillette Shows, the carnival company that was new to the fair this year, proved to be a success too. Marks said there were rides for all ages, and with the ticket costs being covered at the gate, families could enjoy ride after ride. Because of the success, the company is already booked for the 2019 Tioga County Fair. 

Along with the grandstand shows, rides, and vendors, 4-H put on a show all week long as well. Fairgoers were able to walk the rows of the cattle barn admiring and petting (and making kissy faces) at the sheep, goats, cows, pigs and donkeys, which are the culmination of a year’s worth of work for the kids.

Alongside the cattle barn was the 4-H petting zoo and horse barn, where more animals were held. And the 4-H Food and Dairy Bar is a fair staple that was selling treats to attendees all week. 

Marks is “overwhelmed” at every success this year’s county fair brought to the community and is looking forward to knocking it out of the park next year as well.

Follow “Tioga County Fair, Owego NY” on Facebook, or visit www.tiogacofair.com to stay informed on the plans for next year, and to find ways that you can volunteer or get involved.