PORT TOWNSEND – Every time Bill McIntire, Jefferson County Fair board president, checked how many cars were in the fairground’s parking lot, he was delighted.
“That’s what I want to see: full. That’s how I do it” – gauge fair attendance, McIntire said.
A full parking lot is exactly what he saw, rows and rows of cars, every time he checked.
McIntire reported Saturday that on Friday, according to his figures, 22 percent more people attended the fair than on Fridays in previous years.
His goal for the turnout is 16,000 to 17,000 people throughout the three days of the fair, which will continue today at the fairgrounds at 4907 Landes St.
Saturday was slightly overcast, with a chilly breeze at times, but that didn’t seem to stop visitors from indulging in all to see, pet, eat and do.
A popular event Saturday afternoon was the Washington Draft Horse Pull, which attracted hundreds to the grandstands.
Pairs of mammoth horses, Percherons and Shires, were hooked up to a sled weighted with 1,500 pounds, as well as the weight of the person controlling the reins.
After each round, another 500 pounds were added.
“That’s a good pull,” the announcer would say after almost every turn.
Special events today include:
For more information, visit the fair’s Web site at www.jeffcofairgrounds.com.
