A Fair Farewell: County Fair Draws to Close

By Adam Hemphill

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Those hoping for a sunny day at the fair got most of what they bargained for Saturday as the Loudoun County Fair came to a close and storms left the region dry for most of the day. Despite clouds that loomed throughout the day, organizers and attendees alike decided that, just like any good performance, the show must go on.

“The weather's been fantastic," fair superintendent Terry Corle said. "It's just been nice."

With the week's average high temperature at just below 90 degrees, many sought refuge under a variety of coverings available within the fair's Leesburg grounds. For people like Kari Borgquist and Tyler Barton, however, taking long breaks wasn’t necessarily an option -- they were working.

"We're campaigning," said Borgquist, 16, who was promoting a local candidate for sheriff.

Between handing out literature in the 91-degree heat, the pair was busy affixing balloons to a fence and delivering them to passing children. Though Borgquist was enjoying herself, she did have a predictable -- if minor -- grievance.

"It's a little warm out,” she said, “but it's not bad.”



Close by, Purcellville resident Brennan DeBow echoed his neighbor's sentiment regarding the temperature. And like 40 other exhibitors at the fair, he possessed an entrepreneurial spirit.

Along with other members of the 4-H rabbit club, DeBow had erected a makeshift concession stand complete with hand-lettered signs reading "Snack Shack." Selling soda at 50 cents a pop, the hare lovers hoped to raise money for the purchase of food, medicine and other essentials for their rabbits.

"We've sold a lot of stuff," DeBoe said. When asked what was the most popular item, he stated emphatically, "The sodas!"

As the afternoon wore on, sales continued to rise with the mercury while families streamed to and from the dry fields used for parking. Those just arriving were in for a shock as their freshly washed vehicles became enveloped in a shroud of thin, brown dirt, even leading one attendee to exclaim, "Dust bowl!"



Soon, though, navigating the makeshift parking area would become more difficult than frustrating. Just as a crowd of several hundred gathered around the horse ring for the evening's last event, clouds darker than those already in the sky moved in slowly from the east.

In a fashion indicative of varying personalities, congregants began to announce their thoughts regarding the weather. Friends and families looked to one another for confirmation that it had begun to rain, but soon, no confirmation was necessary.

As the week's dry spell came to an end and the temperature dropped, some sought cover while others took no notice of the different conditions. Children splashed in puddles while some adults trudged through the now-muddy fields to retrieve vehicles. Others chose to stick it out for one last night at the fair.

Those who left before darkness fell were likely to notice a series of signs along the way out that provided a reminder of just how fast a year can lapse. "Thanks for Visiting the Loudoun County Fair!" they read. "See You Again Soon!"

For fair superintendent Terry Corle, "soon" has already begun; as of this coming week, he will begin preparations for the 2008 Loudoun County Fair. With an estimated 40 exhibitors, 300 4-H members and 20,000 visitors this year, the fair is bigger than ever.

"It's a big production is what it is," Corle said, adding, "It's been a good week."

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