Successful 2023 Lake County Fair celebrated

Chad Felton, The News-Herald, Willoughby, Ohio
·3 min read

Sep. 1—Records are made to be broken.

While that phrase may ring cliché, it continues to ring relevant when it comes to the Lake County Fair.

For the second consecutive year, the community summer soirée, held July 25-30, set a new mark of triumph, attracting 39,856 in a single day, besting 2022's figure of 37,528.

Over the six-day span, 99,372 fairgoers showed out to Painesville Township.

According to the Lake County commissioners, the latest one-day milestone will continue to garner more interest.

"The fair truly features something for everyone with offerings throughout the week like Veterans Day, Family Day, Kids Day, Senior Day, Donut Day and Latino Day," said Commissioner John Hamercheck.

The Harness Racing Card, the board added, was the best in over a decade, with 103 horses trotting and pacing over 18 races.

The Truck and Tractor Pull had its strongest participation in years and the Demolition Derby sold out for the third straight year.

"Despite days of stifling heat and in between a number of monsoon-type rains, the 168th Lake County Fair was an overall success," said Board Director Bob Dawson, who has been a part of the annual party for 46 years. "Major events posted numerous records and we want to thank everyone who supported this year's fair."

One of those records belongs to the 4-H Livestock Auction, which netted total sales of $414,000, besting last year's $360,000 total and setting a new record.

Lisa Manning, of the Ohio State University Lake County Extension, who oversees the Lake County 4-H Youth Development program, credits this year's successful auction to the 4-H Senior Market Livestock committee, the 4-H youth, and the advisors who work all year on projects and coordination.

"This amazing week of events highlights Lake County's thriving agriculture industry while also providing great food, rides and entertainment for all ages," said Neil Stein, executive director of Remarkable Lake County, OH, also known as the Lake County Visitors Bureau. "It's the largest event in Lake County and a great showcase for the area and this year was no exception."

Commissioner John Plecnik said the 4-H participants truly embody the "Head, Heart, Hands and Health" pledge.

"It's exciting because the public generally doesn't know the champion animals until the auction (commences), so it is almost like an unveiling," he added. "I am grateful to have once again been a small part of supporting this year's auction — we're so proud of this year's youth."

Added Commissioner Richard Regovich, "The fair is truly one of the best events we have in our community and I am honored to be a part of it alongside my colleagues. We are already looking forward to next year's fair beginning on July 23."

The Lake County Fair is put on by the Lake County Agricultural Society, which is made up of over 500 Lake County residents.

The 19-member fair board is elected by the society's membership. Each of the "original" townships in the county has representation as required by the Ohio Revised Code.