AFTON – As many as 10,000 people are expected to visit the Afton Driving Park this week to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Afton Fair and Agricultural Exposition.
The event, now in its 122nd year, is presented annually by the Afton Driving Park and Agricultural Association, a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization which organizes every aspect of the annual event.
The much-anticipated event kicks off today, and during the course of its five fun-filled days 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 derby and fireworks.
The rides and amusement games of the Midway, presented by Gillette Shows, are always a big draw for Afton fair-goers, according to organizer Dennis Fletcher. And this year, wristband specials will again be available during designated times on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday to make riding rides more affordable.
According to Fletcher, the fair’s highlights include the annual Fireman’s Parade which take place opening night at the grandstand. The parade will be followed by a Firematics display and fireworks.
Another highlight is the T Bar T Rodeo, which will take center stage at the grandstand on Thursday Night. Introduced last year, the live rodeo show is back by popular demand, according to Fletcher. Co-sponsored by Millennia Entertainment, the show will feature bull riding, steer wrestling, bronco riding, barrel racing and breakaway roping. Tickets are available in advance for $10, or $13 the day of the event in addition to fair admission.
On Friday evening, fans are expected to pack the grandstand again for I-88 Speedway’s street stock, sportsman, modified and 4-cyl racing. Entry fee is $8 in addition to fair admission. Hot Laps begin at 6:15 p.m., with the real action getting underway at 7 p.m.
Rounding out the grandstand attractions will be Sunday’s Demolition Derby, slated to begin at 1 p.m. Grandstand admissions will be $3 per person in addition to fair admission during the event.
A slew of local performers will provide live music on the 88BC/Afton Sertoma Stage. The line-up includes Gary Jennings on Wednesday; Line Dancing with Mindy Mills on Thursday; Kaitlyn and John Jackson followed by the Blue Sea Turtles on Friday; and Hailey & Shawn followed by the Beadle Brothers on Saturday. Wrapping up the fair’s live music will be performances by the winners of the Park Place Idol, who will appear on stage at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
While the live music, the grandstand attractions and the bright lights of the Midway are all big draws, they aren’t what the Afton Fair is really all about, according to Fletcher.
