By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Media Relations Coordinator
The Attica Independent Fair kicked off on Tuesday morning with the promise of a full week of fun. Dozens of local residents and dignitaries attended the event, which was emceed by Attica Fair Board Vice President Jason Darling.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Barbara Orange, a district representative for Congressman Bob Latta; Seneca County Commissioners Bill Frankart, Anthony Paradiso and Tyler Shuff; Seneca County Auditor Julie Adkins; Seneca County Treasurer Paul Harrison; Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership Development Coordinator Adam Gillmor; and Lori Brodie, Northwest Regional Liaison for Ohio Auditor Keith Faber. Brodie has been attending Attica Fair opening ceremonies for years.
“They have one of the best fair openings,” Brodie said. “This is just a very community-driven event.”
Military veterans raised the flag, fair royalty was introduced, and Darling announced the big events of the week, which includes the Bulls & Barrels Rodeo.
“This is our first year for Bulls & Barrels,” said Fair Board President Tanya Nagel. “We’re very excited about this year’s fair.”
Seneca County Commissioner Bill Frankart expressed his gratitude to the fair board and many volunteers whose efforts impact the community, especially the youth. Frankart introduced new Seneca County EMS Director Chris Hafley, whose team will have a continual presence at the fair.
“It’s important to have our county EMS here,” Frankart said. “We appreciate working with these guys to keep the kids safe.”
Fair Board member, Mark Beat, was also grateful for this year’s EMS staff. The fair board asked the commissioners for help bringing EMS service to the fair.
“The commissioners really stepped up,” Beat said. “I want to thank the commissioners for listening to us.”
Among the opening day events was the Jr. Fair Goat Show. Before the show, 10-year-old Nolan Burkholder groomed his Boer goat, Daisy. He spent all summer prepping Daisy for the fair.
“I’ve been walking her and practicing controlling her head,” Burkholder said. “This is my first year showing goats. My sister shows goat, and I really wanted to show one.”
In a nearby stall, 13-year-old Nevell Martin groomed her two Boer goats, Wilson and Lainey. This is Martin’s second year showing goats at the fair.
Like Burkholder, Martin spent many hours this summer tending her goats.
“I walked them all summer. You have to make sure you feed them morning and night and make sure they have fresh water,” she said.
It was an easy decision to show goats again this year.
“I always wanted to show goats. I just like it,” Martin said. “I’m excited about the show.”
MORE PHOTOS FROM THE OPENING CEREMONIES OF THE ATTICA INDEPENDENT FAIR: