Big crowds enjoy fair this year

Del Norte County Fair officials say they’re thrilled with the annual event’s 2019 edition.

While overall attendance was slightly lower than last year’s record-breaking mark, crowds actually were greater on three of the four days of this year’s fair, said officials.

“What we are hearing from vendors, from the carnival, and from our fans was that they had a great time this year,” said Del Norte Fair CEO Kim Floyd. “This was one of the smoothest fairs we have seen.”

Sunday’s “Tuff Trucks” and demolition derby event was watched by a full house. Saturday’s revamped Redwood Coast Rodeo -- Challenge of the Champions Bulls and Barrels -- was enjoyed by a large crowd as well.

Friday’s show, which featured 1990s music star Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, and Thursday’s concert with country/Gospel singer Coffey Anderson, were enjoyed by smaller but appreciative audiences.

Both artists took the time to interact with audience members before and after their shows, something not all stars do while on tour.

On Sunday, the annual Junior Livestock Auction drew top prices for animals raised by local youngsters, mostly in 4-H, Grange and the Future Farmers of America programs.

The attendance in 2018 was spurred by a host of families coming from the Redding/Sacramento Valley area looking to escape the extreme heat and heavy smoke caused by wildfires in that region.

This year’s crowd had a more local flair, as fairgoers enjoyed the food, blue ribbons, and a wide range of fun and games.

“This is about as American as it gets,” said Rich Taylor, the local fair board’s president. “When you walk around and see the smiles, the animals, the fun, well, it’s just something you feel in your heart.

“Thank goodness for all of our sponsors, volunteers and county fair employees, who work so hard to make so much happen.”

See county fair photos galore in the B Section of today’s Triplicate.