Visitors to the Delaware County Fair in Walton, which gets under way Monday, will see some changes as well as old favorites -- but a change in leadership will probably not be noticed.
Walton native and fair board member Danny Hodges was chosen in by the group in January as the president for the event, which runs through Aug. 18.
Longtime President Gary Tweedie, 70, stepped down from the position to give Hodges, 52, the opportunity.
Tweedie will be staying on the board, of which he has been a member for more than 30 years.
"It will give me the opportunity to learn while he is still there," Hodges said Friday. "I was overwhelmingly honored," when asked to take the leadership role, he said.
Hodges, who has been a board member for 15 years, said he never thought he'd have the honor when he first became involved with the fair, showing cattle at age 16.
"I grew up at the fair," he said. "When you get it in your blood, it's hard to get out."
The new post is an opportunity to make sure the fair tradition continues, he said.
Tweedie said after more than seven years as president, "I reached the point when I knew I wanted to slow down."
Hodges will make a fine president, Tweedie said. There is a learning curve, but "I'm confident Danny is the best man on the board for the role," and he has a good team behind him that will help him make sure the work gets done.
Tweedie will continue working at the fair as the concessions manager. There are about 180 vendors of all kinds at the fair.
"It's a full house," he said. The public won't notice the improvements in the electrical system for the vendors, but it will supply them with what they need to meet their growing demands.
The agricultural exhibits are up, with more than 450 dairy cows coming. With the number of farms down in the area over the years, "its really exciting," he said, and points to the fact that "our fair is a prestigious show," that farms in Delaware and surrounding counties use to get ready for the State Fair.
"There is some real competition," he said.
Hodges said that in response to a decrease in demolition derby entries last year, the Friday afternoon derby has been replaced with a 1:30 p.m. professional bull riding competition. The Friday evening derby is still on the calendar but is sold out. There are tickets for the Monday evening show.
Tickets are selling well for the 7 p.m. Saturday appearance by country music stars Thompson Square. People who have seen the show said "we have a great thing coming," Hodges said.
Tuesday at 7 pm. is the 4-H and firefighter's parade. Thursday is 4-H Day. Admission is $8 per day for adults. Children 12 and under enter free. There are a variety of reduced rate passes available. Details are available at www.delawarecountyfair.org.
Local News
Delaware fair sees changes at the top
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