Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 29, 1990 TAG: 9006290221
SECTION: SALEM FAIR PAGE: SF-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By DAVID MEADOR
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Salem Fair always offers a variety of great entertainment. "This year, it's better than ever," said Carey Harveycutter, fair director. "We have top-rate performers and acts for the entire 11 days."
Since the first event two years ago, the Salem Fair has established itself as one of the region's finest. It is the fastest-growing fair in Virginia and the second largest in the state, behind only the Virginia State Fair in Richmond.
The fair pumps at least $1.3 million into the local economy, said John Saunders, assistant director of the fair. "That is direct spending, money we can physically account for and excludes such indirect spending as hotel or motel rooms or dining off the grounds."
Attendance for 1989 rose by 43 percent over 1988, with more than 211,000 people spinning the turnstiles. This year, the crowd is expected to equal or exceed last year's.
Harveycutter attributes the instant success of the fair to the quality of the acts and the generosity of support from local sponsors.
"There is no gate admission and no charge for parking," he pointed out. "The only things people have to pay for are the carnival rides and the food." On opening night, even the rides are free, compliments of WDBJ-7.
The centerpiece of the fair will be the Deggeller Attractions Carnival. The 110-foot giant Ferris wheel will return this year, along with a number of new rides.
Also returning will be the feisty Robinson's Racing Pigs, which squeal their way around the race track in pursuit of Oreo cookies. The pigs will streak from the starting gate four times each evening: at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:45. On weekends, there will be additional shows in the afternoon and a 10 p.m. nightcap.
Balloon sculptor David Hamilton will be performing everyday throughout the fair. He twists balloons into the shapes of animals, baskets of fruit, hats and just about anything else. He gives his creations to members of his appreciative audience.
Bob Jones Animal Attractions also returns with its interesting assortment of animals that love to be petted. It features more than 60 animals from around the world, including llamas, exotic sheep, miniature horses, donkeys, monkeys, camels and many more feathered and furry friends.
The fair also features a number of new acts. One of the most unique is Croaker College, a troupe of performing frogs. Featured among Professor Bill Steed's talented amphibians are Miss World Hopper, a motorcyclist, and the members of the Frog Fashion Revue.
Around the fair grounds, Willie Wizard the Magician will perform his sleight-of-hand on July 9-12; and Blaze, the balloon-blowing goat, will be a part of Dr. Happy LaClairs's Old-Tyme Medicine Show.
In the children's area, Sunshine the Clown will spread a little sunshine, and Kids' Kitchen Combo will give children from the audience a chance to play "instruments" from the kitchen. Kids' Kitchen Combo will perform three times daily from July 5-8, and it is sure to produce some unique sounds.
During the last four days of the fair, you can catch One Man and a Dummy, the comedy ventriloquism act of Ian Varella.
Periodically, there will also be pigtail and ponytail contests, mother/daughter look-alike contests, and pet tricks.
Cash Explosion is expected to be one of the most popular new attractions, said Harveycutter. In a television show format, nine randomly selected contestants will vie for a chance to step into the "Explosion Chamber" and grab up to $500 in cash.
In the exhibition area on the civic center floor, there will be more than 350 categories of food, agricultural products, and arts and crafts from Virginia and states as far away as Alabama.
Each night, on the outdoor stages, there will be free musical entertainment. "Every night, we will have at least two musical entertainers, and sometimes three or four," said Harveycutter.
In the community room, there will be a number of concerts by up-and-coming musicians. On July 6, country artist Alan Jackson will appear for two shows, at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Admission is $12.50.
The next night, July 7, Lorrie Morgan will hold center stage for shows at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Tickets are $10.
On July 13, Cimmaron will perform at 9 p.m. Admission is $10.
And on Saturday, July 14, Robin Lee will have an 8 p.m. show. Tickets cost $10.
And don't overlook the third annual Miss Salem Fair Pageant, which takes place on Monday, July 9, at 7 p.m.
This year, for the first time, there will be a Little Miss Salem Fair Pageant with categories for Tiny Miss, Little Miss, Junior Miss and Teen. It will happen on Saturday, July 7, at noon.
Finally, on the closing day of the fair on Sunday, Hart Imports will give away a new Daihatsu, but you must be present to win.
by CNB