2002 History
Compiled by
Irene Wheeler, Historian
The 2002 Woodstock Fair had its problems, but everyone pulled together and overall it was a very good fair. We had a lot of rain on Wednesday and Thursday during entry days and some of the parking lots had to be closed due to mud.
On Friday morning we had a light shower that stopped soon and cleared. Attendance was 25,125 people which was not a record. On Saturday, we had a nice day and huge crowds with over 72,585 people in attendance. Sunday was a good day with 72,555 in attendance. On Monday, it rained all morning and attendance was low, 17,800 for the day. The overall attendance was much lower than last year. This year we had 188,114 in attendance.
The South Stage had to be closed on Monday because the roof was not big enough to protect the performers. Some fairgoers were seen riding on the waterslide wearing raincoats. Some rides had to stop in heavy rain.
The mechanical exhibit had about 85 tractors and a variety of antique cars, trucks and one-lung engines.
The Vegetable Exhibit went off well as did the other exhibits in the main exhibition hall. The photos were displayed well and things went smoothly.
The new Agriculture Exhibits Barn was a hit. Construction began on this building in March and was completed for the 2002 Fair. There were over 20,000 toothpicks used to pass out cheese. Many, many people made butter. The little farm was a huge success. The new facilities were wonderful.
The Horse pull had to be cancelled on Monday due to the rain. They had over 70 tractors for the new tractor pull on Friday night.
A special thanks to the boy scouts and everyone who worked to find the missing three-year old.
There were eight $1,000 scholarships awarded to Woodstock Academy seniors this year.