Lewis County Fair wraps up 192nd season

SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2012

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LOWVILLE — The Lewis County Fair wrapped up its 192nd year Saturday night, following a week of fun, games, rides and entertainment.

While there were a few scary moments during the parade Tuesday night as dark clouds rolled in and some large raindrops fell, the weather was hot but cooperative, allowing festivities to continue without any cancellations.

“It’s been amazing over the years,” said James Randall, Lewis County Fair board director emeritus, commenting on the historically good weather for fair week. Mr. Randall recalled some daytime events getting rained out through the years, but never an evening event.

Dr. Harry P. O’Connor, fair board president, said the heat the first two days affected attendance, as well as sales of hot food, but Thursday through Saturday saw record crowds.

As Dr. O’Connor welcomed guests at the ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday morning, he mentioned that during his tenure on the board he’s been asked many times, “What’s new at the fair?”

He explained to the crowd that people don’t come to the fair to see new things. They come to see the things they saw as a kid.

It’s that sense of continuity, history and local pride that keeps the Coleman Brothers Shows Inc. returning to the fair every summer. The company is celebrating its 97th year in the carnival and fair business.

Mary Oakes, secretary/treasurer for Coleman Brothers, said working with the fair board is always a pleasure. “They have a solid group and they all get along so well.”

Her group travels more than 200 miles to Lowville, but she said it’s worth the trip.

“It’s nice to come here. They do a really nice job with the flowers, the grounds, the whole place,” she said.

Ms. Oakes said many of the Coleman Brothers shows are in larger communities, but she likes the peaceful pace and friendly atmosphere in Lowville.

“It’s like heaven,” she said.