The Tyler County Fair was a great success.

The Tyler County Fair, which was held from August 5 through the 10, was a week’s worth of filling food, fun activities, and enjoyable rides for fairgoers attending. Regardless of the day or time one attended, there was something for everyone walking through the gates of the fairgrounds.

The fair kicked-off its week with a performance from the Silver Knights Marching Band, followed closely by a baked goods auction, and pageants for a wide range of ages. The following ladies were crowned as this year’s royalty: Rustilynn McIntyre as this year’s Tiny Miss, Arianna Henthorn as Little Miss, Kamryn Satterfield as Junior Miss, Makenzie Utt as the Pre-Teen Queen, Samantha Melvin as the Teen Queen, and Shayla Griffey as the 2019 Tyler County Fair Queen.

The reigning royalty for the 2019 Fair were present for the rest of the week’s festivities, aiding in several different aspects of the fair from handing out awards at the livestock shows to events at the Speedway.

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As Youth Day, Tuesday’s festivities revolved chiefly around children, with youth ages 15 and under being offered free admittance until noon. Starting at 10 a.m., a multitude of activities were offered to children present including bicycle races, various youth games, and free carnival rides until noon.

Tuesday evening saw more activities for animal and livestock lovers including a pet show and the Market Swine Show. Winning the title of best overall hog at the show was Gary Seckman.

Those looking for an adrenaline rush crowded together at the racetrack for the new addition to the Tyler County Fair – the rodeo. While many folks came out to see bull-riding professionals, the rodeo was sadly rained out close to the start. However, fair attendees came back for more as soon as the sky cleared up, excited to see the bull-riders in action. Entertainment for the night was provided by local Bluegrass band, The Foggy Meadow Band, which attracted a good crowd.

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Wednesday was announced to be Ladies Day, and various activities were held for the women present. Contests including a softball throwing contest, water balloon toss, and an egg toss were held, and the women attending fought to obtain a winning award. In addition to this, the annual quilting was also started that day.

Other going-on’s at the fair on this day was the 4-H and FFA Market Steer Show. Fourteen individuals presented their project steers to be judged. Jenna Archer took the Grand Champion title with her steer, followed by Creed Ammons receiving the Reserve Champion ribbon. Shortly following the judging, the competitors entered the ring once again to vie for the title of Champion Showman. Showmanship is judged by how efficiently the individual is able to exhibit his or her animal to the judge. It is judged on several aspects such as eye contact, keeping the animal’s legs square, and knowledge about the animal. Nicholas Spencer received the title of Champion Senior Showman.

Down at the track, the Mod Lites, Mini Wedges, Hot Mods, and 4 Cylinders were making dirt fly as they were an essential part of the evening entertainment. Moonlight Drive, a band out of Preston County, stole the spotlight at the main stage.

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Senior Citizen’s Day was Thursday at the fair, and a program was started for those 60 or older at noon. Other activities available to fairgoers that day included a horse show, the Belle pageant, and bingo, which was held daily by the Friendly Lions Club. Also held daily was The Tumbleweed Crossing Wild West Show. Laughter came from the crowd as spectators followed the adventure of the Sheriff’s dim-witted deputy, who asked to be sheriff for the day, until two criminals rode into town.

Later Thursday evening, the Market Livestock Sheep Show was held. The Grand Champion was Alli Wince, and the Reserve Champion was Nick Wince. Following this was the Demolition Derby. Due to heavy rainfall before the show, the derby was forced to be pushed back. However, when they were finally able to begin, fans could barely contain their excitement.

Entertainment for the night was provided by The Avalons, who performed a wonderful show for fairgoers. The Avalons, an oldies rock group, were able to combine their amazing voices and performance abilities into one big show for the crowd, keeping them entertained and laughing all the while enjoying music from the 50s and 60s. This group had attenders of all ages dancing and laughing throughout the entirety of the performance.

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On Friday, the Mountaineer Day Activities were held under the main stage. These games consisted of hog calling, a liar’s contest, nail driving, and a hay bale throwing contest. Many people gathered to watch the festivities that were judged by the Fair Royalty.

Later Friday evening, the 4-H and FFA Market Livestock Sale took place in the barn. Exhibitors wearing blue and gold FFA Jackets, as well as showman adorning the 4-H Emblem, auctioned off their project animals for public purchase.

Friday evening, entertainment was provided by Logan Wojcik and Dirty Deeds Xtreme AC/DC, which had crowds on their feet and singing along to the familiar tunes.

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On the final day of the fair, a truck driver’s rodeo was held, as well as the Mud Bog and the ATV/Dirt Drag Racing. Other activities included an archery contest, a horseshoe pitching contest, and a car, truck, and tractor show. The car show was held from 5 to 7 p.m., and saw ten car owners being awarded by the Tyler County Fair Queen and Teen Queen.

Taking the stage that night was Austin Burke. Burke was closely followed by crowd favorite Dylan Scott. Scott’s performance attracted a large crowd, with fans crowding the stage and many being left without a seat. The performance was lively and was much enjoyed by fairgoers. Immediately following Scott’s performance was a firework’s display – the perfect end to a fun week at the Tyler County Fair.