A good old time
Entertainment, food, and games greet visitors to the OldTime FairBy DAVID M. GRIMES / dgrimes@reviewonline.com
Article Photos
NEW MANCHESTER - If visitors at Tomlinson Run State Park weren't careful, they could have been hit by a flying skillet or rolling pin Saturday afternoon.
The Hancock County Oldtime Fair kicked off on Friday and the Barnyard Olympics -one of many activities people could enjoy -began competitions on Saturday morning at the state park. Visitors could enjoy seeing old equipment, arts and crafts, animals and others compete in the old time competitions.
Students from New Manchester Elementary Schools had a sneak peek of the fair activities as they made a field trip to the park grounds on Friday.
The youngsters were able to see and touch different types of animals, learn about ecosystems and play games as well.
"The kids had a fantastic, great time," Judy Moore, games coordinator said. She said the fair provides an excellent opportunity for kids to see and touch the animals instead of just reading about them in a book.
She added she experienced first-hand, that one youngster did not know the difference in size of an elephant and a cow until he was able to physically see a cow at the park.
Kids also were able to participate in the stick horse race, where they ride the stick horse around obstacles. Kindergarten students Marilyn Kimple, Josh Hudson, George Keeper, Hunter Patterson were top riders of the day. Cody, from Mrs. Lorrie Matusic's class was also a winner, but did not give his last name.
Ivan Carrick, McKenzie Locke, Makayln Verdan, Hunter Skbeles, Alexis Swan, Cori Blankenship, Levi McPeak, Alex Henson and Stephen Cool were also stick horse champions for their respective classrooms from the school.
On Saturday, a short wagon ride from the parking lot, down Poe Path, to the activities gave people the first taste of the OldTime Fair. The spinning wheel and pop of an old 13HP Ball Oilfield Engine from the Carter family greeted newcomers by the entrance gate.
The arts and crafts area showcased artist's works - from Charles "WoodChuck" Briscoe's wood carvings to the Railing family paintings and photographs. The smell of food cooking on the grill were compliments from the New Manchester Volunteer firefighers who proved they knew how to handle the fire as the manned the outdoor cooking area.
The Barnyard Olympics on Saturday comprised of the skillet and rolling pin toss, the pedal tractor pull and the hay bale toss. Winners in categories from ages 2-3, like Grace Pedockie to more season veterans, like Linda Colter won their respective age brackets in the rolling pin toss. The longest toss of a rolling pin was by Makayla Virden, who launched the kitchen tool one inch shy of 51 feet to take home the winning ribbon for the 7-10 year-old bracket.
Joe DeMaria had the longest throw of the day, skyrocketing a skillet 80 feet to win the 31-50 age competition. Errett Allison and Russ Campbell battled each other to a close match, but Allison edged out his foe by just under four feet with a throw of 37 feet, eight inches to win the 61 and older matchup.
An antique tractor showcase and parade closed the activities and entertainment from bands like the Lonesome Hearts, Weirton Steel Men's Choir, Gas Valley Boys and The Ditch closed the Saturday festivities. Prized pigs, chickens, rabbits were also on display under the animal tent. Horses and cows were also found at the fair area.
Moore said she saw children participants rise this year and hopes the trend will continue. She said, for the $1.00 price of admission, people cannot beat the fun and entertainment they'll receive at the Hancock County Oldtime Fair.
On the schedule today for the Barnyard Olympics is the sack race, tug-of-war, and horse stick races. Music and other events are also planned from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For a list of all the events, directions and list of winners, visit http://www.hancockcountyoldtimefair.org
