Fifties music, white t-shirts, blue jeans and poodle skirts were in a abundance during the Rochester and District Annual Fair on Aug 8.
Fifties music, white t-shirts, blue jeans and poodle skirts were in a abundance during the Rochester and District Annual Fair on Aug 8.
The theme for this year ’s fair was ‘Rock around the Clock ’ and the volunteer staff and other participants dressed up as if it were the 1950 ’s.
According to Sean Maguire, the director of communications for the fair, this is one of the best turnouts they ’ve had in recent years.
“This year ’s turnout was actually a lot better than the last two years, ” said Maguire. “Every year it keeps getting better and better. Overall (attendance) keeps on (increasing by) 50-100 people every year, and all it is is the word getting out there. ”
Rochester's main street was full of spectators for the annual fair parade. The parade kept with the fair ’s theme having many 50 ’s and 60 ’s-style parade floats. Some of the floats were decorated as diners, malt shops and classic car garages.
“There have been more people at the parade this year than the three years I have been here, ” said Maguire.
The fair grounds officially opened at 12 p.m. People gathered to take in the many different festivities for kids and adults alike.
The kids had lots to do during the fair with many midway games such as ring toss, balloon darts, bean bag throwing and many more. There were even bouncy castles and other inflatable obstacle courses on the fair grounds as well.
At 1 p.m., lots of kids gathered at the horse track to participate in the mutton busting competition. Both boys and girls ages 5-9 held on to the back of a sheep as long as they could, providing fun for the kids and the parents watching. Every child got to go home with a prize after the event. ;
As well as the many different activities for the kids, there were tons of afternoon events that the adults could enjoy as well.
“This year we had the show and shine, which we didn ’t last year, ” said Maguire. “Actually, we had a couple folks from Athabasca run it. We also had the horse pull (which) was a big success, and the tractor pull this morning was also a success. ”
Adults could even enter a chili cook off with $900 in total worth of cash prizes.
Local musician Dylan Hansen performed in the late afternoon and during the steak supper. Hansen played before the headlining band, Juke Box Rock, took the stage.
“This year we have a really wicked headliner band, ” said Maguire. “This is the first time we spent like $2,000 on a band and they came all the way up from Edmonton to play here. ”
Juke Box Rock played from 8 p.m. to just after the fireworks display was finished at 11 p.m.
“There is just so much more going on this year. ” said Maguire. “Every year it just keeps on getting bigger and bigger. This is my third year being here and I can just say, being director of entertainment, that this is the best turnout I have seen so far. ”
