Lawrence County Fair Board members are getting a little help bringing music to the fair this year – and are already planning for the first fair of the new century.

Monday, January 24, 2000

Lawrence County Fair Board members are getting a little help bringing music to the fair this year – and are already planning for the first fair of the new century.

WTCR has agreed to sponsor all entertainment acts, said Doug Clark, board president.

And staples like the tractor pull and demolition derby will remain in the lineup, Clark added.

"We start planning the day after the fair ends," he said. "We’ve got everything lined up now. We’re not quite ready to announce the entertainment, yet. But we will be by the first of March."

Not only will the acts and booths show notable improvements at this year’s fair, which will run July 9-15, but there also will be structural improvements, Clark said.

"We’re building a new 4-H food booth and a new barn to alleviate room problems we’ve had for a number of years," he said. "That’s $180,000 for those two buildings. The state gave us $80,000 and the county commissioners gave us $100,000."

The building projects should be open for bids by mid-February, Clark added, and finished by June 15.

"We’ve given the architect a deadline of June 15 to be completed with everything and he didn’t think it would be a problem."

Nothing should get in the way of a bigger and better fair, Clark said – not even expected bridge replacement work on Ohio 7.

"I don’t think it will hurt us that much," Clark said. "The bridge has been down before during the fair. And the state has a pretty good route planned around Proctorville. I don’t think it will take any more time getting to the fair. The biggest problem always is getting through Proctorville and they’ve done a pretty good job with traffic the past couple of years."

Spots are filling up fast for the 2000 fair, and Clark suggests people who want to set up informational, food or craft booths should contact Albert Childers as soon as possible.

Childers is in charge of scheduling the booths, and although he thinks there will be more space this year, it’s best to reserve early.

"It looks like everything is pretty well coming into place, and it looks like the fair will be better than it ever was," Childers said.

To sign up for space at the Lawrence County Fair 2000, Childers may be reached by calling 867-8272.

A waiting list is currently being compiled, Clark said.

"We have to turn a few away every year," he said. "It’s always best to contact (Childers) early. They can get on the list, and if there’s a cancellation they’d be next in line."