AFTON – The Afton Fair and Agricultural Exposition kicks off today for five fun-filled days of midway rides, funnel cake and more.
Now celebrating its 121st year, organizers say the event is one of the oldest and longest running of its kind.
“We’re one of the last little town fairs,” said Dennis Fletcher, president of the Afton Driving Park and Agricultural Association, the non-profit, volunteer-driven organization which organizes every aspect of the annual event.
This year, the much anticipated five-day event will feature everything from Midway rides, games and food vendors to live music, dairy and horse shows, harness racing, a fireman’s parade, tractor pulls, a rodeo, stock car races, demolition derbies and fireworks.
The Midway is always a big draw for Afton fair-goers, according to Fletcher, and this year he promises it will be bigger and better than ever, thanks to the return of Gillette Shows.
“We will have more rides and bigger rides,” he reported, plus a full contingent of amusement games. To make riding the rides more affordable, wristband specials will be available during designated times on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, allowing wearers unlimited access for the specified block of time.
There is also an impressive line-up both on the 88BC/Afton Sertoma Stage and at the Grandstand.
Opening night will feature Gary Jennings on the 88BC/Afton Sertoma Stage, as well as the annual Firemen’s Parade and Firematics display at the grandstand, followed by Fireworks, courtesy of NBT bank.
One of this year’s highlights will be the T Bar T Rodeo, which will take center stage at the grandstand on Thursday Night.
“This is new this year,” reported Fletcher, who said promotion of the rodeo had already created a buzz in the community and advance ticket sales were “going through the roof.”
The live rodeo show – billed as “adrenaline-rushing entertainment” by its co-sponsors, Millenia Entertainment – will feature bull riding, steer wrestling, bronco riding, barrel racing, roping and more. Among the competitors will be local favorites, brothers Jesse and Jamie Griswold of Bainbridge. Tickets are available in advance for $10, or $13 the day of the event in addition to fair admission.
On Friday evening, fans will no doubt be packing into the grandstand again for I-88 Speedway’s street stock, sportsman, modified and 4-cyl racing. Entry fee is $5 in addition to fair admission. Hot Laps begin at 6:30 p.m., with the real action getting underway at 7:15.
