PORT ANGELES — Clallam County Fair-goers came from far and countywide to get mesmerized by hypnotist Mike Mezmer and lassoed by Leapin’ Louie the cowboy comedian.
They ate tons of fair food — much of it the beef variety at most-popular Stinky’s Barbecue stand — and snacked on berry-jammed scones.
Many saw more domestic and farm animals in an hour than they will in the coming year.
As of early Sunday night fair officials were weary-eyed but happy about the turn-out of this year’s busy fair event, even though they were still waiting to tally the final attendance figures.
At the fair office, the bulletin board showed opening day Thursday’s attendance was up 600 to 8,131, but down Friday to 6,868 compared to 8,273 in 2002. Attendance numbers for Saturday and Sunday were not available Sunday night.
Tough economic times last year were thought to be the cause for last year’s attendance drop from 2001.
A total of 31,691 people turned out for the four-day event last year, compared to a record 32,389 in 2001.
Last year’s Saturday attendance was 9,507 and Sunday’s attendance was 6,361 in 2002.
Joel Winborne, county parks director, said although Friday’s attendance fell off, he believed Saturday was a more positive story, probably more like Thursday.
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The rest of this story can be found in Monday’s Peninsula Daily News.
