Exchange Club Fair attendance more than 9,000
By Diana Royal Waynesboro Exchange Club

STAFF PHOTO BY ARIANA YOUMANS Young and old alike were thrilled by exciting rides on the Midway at the 46th annual fair.

“We’ve had another successful year,” Bob Mallard, member of the Waynesboro Exchange Club, said of the club’s 46 annual fair.

And while this year’s ticket sales were not record-breaking, Mallard seemed pleased with the outcome, saying this was a consistent year with an attendance of 9,437, just 24 more over the attendance for 2004. The largest turnout during the five-day event was recorded last Saturday with 4,046 entering through the gate.

Family Attractions provided the midway rides, and Mallard said the group will return again next year, with some of the same and some new rides.

Exhibitors entered 451 competitive exhibits, and the club paid out a total of $2,242 in prize money. Outstanding exhibitors were Connor Gandy, Division 1-A, grades K-2nd; Jay Johnson, Division 1-B, grades 3rd-5th; Jenny Johnson, Division II, 6th-8th; April McDaniel, Division III, 9th-12th; Helen Palmer, Division IV, adults; and Sevena Lively Weis, Division V, seniors 65 years and older.

Even with fewer contestants, the second annual CSRA Star Search was a crowd-drawer, as well as the CSRA JR competition. Winners in the adult competition were Will Gay, first; Frank Rodriguez, second; and Belinda Messmer, third. Children placing were Ava Oellerich, first; Kaitlyn Dunaway, second; and Christian Posey, third.

The fair is the club’s main fund-raiser of the year, and the funds generated provide scholarships to students within Burke County.The 2006 fair dates have been set for Oct. 10-14.