Fair Draws Record Numbers, Traffic Issues
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Updated: 11:52 PM Jul 14, 2010
Fair Draws Record Numbers, Traffic Issues
Record-breaking crowds have taken over the Putnam County Fair, but not without some traffic headaches.
Posted: 11:47 PM Jul 14, 2010
Reporter: Brooks Jarosz
Email Address: brooks.jarosz@wsaz.com
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PUTNAM COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Record-breaking crowds have taken over the Putnam County Fair, but not without some traffic headaches.

Still, the amount of people in one place made riding rides, enjoying some food or just watching the four-wheeler races even more fun for many.

"Every year it gets a little better, a little bigger with even more crowds and fun," Rick Clark said. "There's lots of stuff going on down here."

The repair project for the Winfield bridge has some fair-goers claiming they've waited more than three hours to get in or out of the fairgrounds.

"When you get traffic that way, you know you've had a good night," fair president Wayne Bennett said. "Traffic was backed clear up almost to where you go up 34 out red house hill and back the other way too."

Motorists are forced to take a detour since the Winfield Bridge is shut down. Constriction crews are busy pouring a new bridge deck and giving it a fresh coat of paint. It is set to reopen on August 20th.

"When traffic's all backed up we try to coordinate with the Eleanor Police Department and our county deputies and state troopers that are working the road, "Lieutenant Eric Hayzlett said. "We try to help each other out and get traffic flowing as best we can."

However, organizers say it's the attractions and fun that's really drawing the crowds.

"I think people still love to come to the fair, Amy Samples said. "That's one thing we look forward to every summer."

Now the fair staff is looking at how it can improve the fair, beginning with upgrading the electrical outlets to accommodate rides and food stands.

"That'll mean the workers at the fair can kind of take it easier," Bennett said. "There won't be so many tasks that have to be done in emergency situations and the fair will go on much smoother."

Bennett added, "We're really hampered a little bit on space here but we plan to build a new amphitheater so we have got at least two years worth of projects already planned."

Saturday, a record crowd of more than 8,000 people showed up to the Putnam County Fair.
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