By Richard Romero: Sun Staff Writer
The sounds of laughter, excited chatter and smells of various treats could be found at the much-anticipated opening day of the Yuma County Fair the afternoon of March 29.
The fair celebrated one of its more popular days, “Dollar Day,” when it opened Tuesday to a community so eager to experience it, that some were waiting outside the main gate two hours before the official grand opening at 3 p.m.
The fair is open from 3 p.m. to “closing” which is usually around midnight on opening day, and Fairground Manager Eric Wofford said that the fairground staff is geared up and ready to go until Sunday.
Wofford said he and his team have been working on the fair since November, and this year's event brings with it some new happenings for local fairgoers.
This year at the fair, Wofford said there is a new show inside the theater.
Wofford said the safari-themed show is put on by Pacific Animal Productions, a company based out of Fallbrook, Calif.
“We've changed the entertainment up on the stage a bit,” Wofford said as he went on to discuss the different acts that people can see at the event.
From a Bon Jovi Tribute act, “Blaze of Glory,” to Williams, Ariz., rockabilly rockers the Moonlight Howlers, there seems to be a little something for everybody.
Clara Eades said she has lived in Yuma her whole life and holds the fair in very high esteem.
“My brother-in-law used to be the caretaker here,” Eades said. “We just love being here.”
Eades said she enjoys listening to “good old country music” acts at the fair and that this year, she especially looks forward to seeing the Doowah Riders perform.
Eades also noted that this year's fair is a lot bigger, and nicer than in previous years.
The fair seems to be a great time for everyone, even its vendors.
Jeremy Porterfield, a worker for the frozen yogurt stand near the main entrance, said he has lived in Yuma for about eight weeks and was very excited to experience the fair as a whole.
“I love the food, souvenirs,” Porterfield said as he passed out soft-served treats to hungry customers.
Wofford said this year the fair boasts around 100 total vendors, including representatives from the American Legion and Rotary Club.
Wofford said he is excited for the fair and hopes to see a large turnout.
“Optimistically, I'd like to have a huge crowd,” Wofford said.
Wednesday night at 7 p.m. Yuma's demolition fans need to be in the grandstand at the fairground for the Demolition Derby.
According to an adviser for the derby, Annette Teal, just gate admission gets someone in.
Teal said so far 15 entries have registered and the number of drivers could grow until the start of the show.
“Usually there's more than that but we'll probably have latecomers,” Teal said.
Teal said the event is very popular with the fair, filling up stands on both sides.
“People absolutely love it! The event is always full,” Teal said.
For more information on the event, contact the fairgrounds at (928) 726-4420.
Read more: http://www.yumasun.com/articles/fair-68797-wofford-yuma.html#ixzz1jHvN6a7m
The fair celebrated one of its more popular days, “Dollar Day,” when it opened Tuesday to a community so eager to experience it, that some were waiting outside the main gate two hours before the official grand opening at 3 p.m.
The fair is open from 3 p.m. to “closing” which is usually around midnight on opening day, and Fairground Manager Eric Wofford said that the fairground staff is geared up and ready to go until Sunday.
Wofford said he and his team have been working on the fair since November, and this year's event brings with it some new happenings for local fairgoers.
This year at the fair, Wofford said there is a new show inside the theater.
Wofford said the safari-themed show is put on by Pacific Animal Productions, a company based out of Fallbrook, Calif.
“We've changed the entertainment up on the stage a bit,” Wofford said as he went on to discuss the different acts that people can see at the event.
From a Bon Jovi Tribute act, “Blaze of Glory,” to Williams, Ariz., rockabilly rockers the Moonlight Howlers, there seems to be a little something for everybody.
Clara Eades said she has lived in Yuma her whole life and holds the fair in very high esteem.
“My brother-in-law used to be the caretaker here,” Eades said. “We just love being here.”
Eades said she enjoys listening to “good old country music” acts at the fair and that this year, she especially looks forward to seeing the Doowah Riders perform.
Eades also noted that this year's fair is a lot bigger, and nicer than in previous years.
The fair seems to be a great time for everyone, even its vendors.
Jeremy Porterfield, a worker for the frozen yogurt stand near the main entrance, said he has lived in Yuma for about eight weeks and was very excited to experience the fair as a whole.
“I love the food, souvenirs,” Porterfield said as he passed out soft-served treats to hungry customers.
Wofford said this year the fair boasts around 100 total vendors, including representatives from the American Legion and Rotary Club.
Wofford said he is excited for the fair and hopes to see a large turnout.
“Optimistically, I'd like to have a huge crowd,” Wofford said.
Wednesday night at 7 p.m. Yuma's demolition fans need to be in the grandstand at the fairground for the Demolition Derby.
According to an adviser for the derby, Annette Teal, just gate admission gets someone in.
Teal said so far 15 entries have registered and the number of drivers could grow until the start of the show.
“Usually there's more than that but we'll probably have latecomers,” Teal said.
Teal said the event is very popular with the fair, filling up stands on both sides.
“People absolutely love it! The event is always full,” Teal said.
For more information on the event, contact the fairgrounds at (928) 726-4420.
Read more: http://www.yumasun.com/articles/fair-68797-wofford-yuma.html#ixzz1jHvN6a7m
