Potomac News Online | Fair carries on, despite scorching heat

Despite the soaring temperatures which resulted in about 100 people being treated for heat-related illnesses, activities are continuing as scheduled at the 56th annual Prince William County Fair in Manassas, according to Fair Manager Keith Johnson.

The grandstands were full Saturday for the second of two tractor and truck pulls that highlighted events at the fair over the weekend.

Kevin Landis (Pa. Ridge Runner) of Berlin, Pa., captured the two-wheel drive class with a distance of 295.7, edging out Bryan McDonald (Willys) of Harwood, Md., whose distance was 291.

In the Modified Class, Brent Adkins (Sly Slick and Wicked) of Statesville, N.C., went the distance and beat Philip Jones (Attitude Adjuster) of Huntingtown, Md.

Robert Martin (Darn Deere) of Chambersburg, Pa., won out in the 10 Pro-95 Super Stock with a drive of 305.10 to barely beat out Randy DeVaugh (Road Gear Farmer) of Gambrills, Md., who finished at 304.5.

The winners Friday night were Greg Hitchcock (Grounds for Divorce) of Montrose, Pa., in the 4×4 class with a pull of 291.10 and beating out 14 other drivers; Wilson/Shelman (Boss Hawg) of Dover, Pa., came out victorious in the two-wheel drive class with a distance of 310.1; Adkins also won in the Modified Class on the first night with a pull of 338.4; and Ray Link (Gon Moken) of Patton, Pa., was the champion of the 10 Pro-95 Super Stock.

The winners of the first baby contests were also announced.

Ryan Stevens, son of Eric and Stephanie Stevens of Bristow, was the winner of the boys ages 9-18 division and Ty’esha Paige, daughter of Michelle Paige of Gainesville captured the girls 9-18 classification. Each was presented $25 and a trophy.

Fair attendance for the opening three days was up about 2,000 over last year — 21,000 this year to 19,000 last year.

The biggest jump in attendance was Saturday, as 8,800 came out compared to 1,900 last year when heavy rains kept nearly everyone away.

Johnson said he expects a big jump in attendance today, which is one-half price day. More than 11,000 turned out for the special day last year.

Tonight is the garden tractor pull in the grandstands and the greatest grandparent contest in the show barn.

Johnson said the Lake Jackson Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad treated nearly 100 people for mostly minor heat-related symptoms.

Lt. Steve Boulton, career service with the Prince William Department of Fire and Rescue working out of the Lake Jackson station, said those suffering from heat exhaustion are usually taken into the air-conditioned aid station to cool off.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at (703) 369-6707.