Big attendance numbers for Fair once again

A lot of people went through Altenburg this past weekend.
Last year, The East Perry Community Fair had approximately 30,000 people walk around the grounds throughout the two-day event. East Perry Community Fair Publicity Chairman Fred Eggers thought the numbers for this year’s version of the fair were comparable.
“The numbers were about the same as last year as far as attendance,” Eggers said. “We really got through the event without too many problems. We were blessed with good weather, which makes three years in a row now that it has happened that way.”
Back by popular demand, local acts graced the stage during the fair. Ian Ferguson, Carly Green, and Logan Chapman returned and joined by Clint Sattler to provide the music for Saturday afternoon. The final group to perform was Randy Preston’s family band Generation on Saturday at 7 pm. Dustin Bishop was added on Friday to perform at 4 p.m. to be followed by the Burnt Mill Boys at 7 p.m.
“The local acts were really well received,” Eggers said. “Having what we are calling the Rising Stars on stage on Saturday afternoon had very good attendance and people seemed to enjoy it.”
Carnival were available for kids to ride, however, there was a bit of a change there. After having Clay County Amusements provide the carnival rides for many years, there was a change due to the retirement of the owner, Kent Brinkley. The rides this year were provided by Goldstar Amusements, which is a family owned and operated business with over six generations of history. The group brought in five kid rides and five bigger rides and were well received and even had more ticket sales than in past years.
“The new group was very prompt, polite and the rides were up to date,” Eggers said. “They were new and bigger rides which seemed to be a hit.”
While the rides were nice, many came for the various food options available at the fair. There were 18 food stands with hamburgers, catfish fillets, funnel cakes, and bratwurst along with newer choices like blooming onions, quesadillas, and smoked turkey legs.

Yes, the grilled cheese sandwiches were available as well.
The stands sold about the same as last year,” Eggers said. “Some of the outside vendors had better numbers as well.”
The popular 4X4 Truck Pull returned on Friday evening as well as the fair’s largest spectator draw, the “World Championship” Mule Jumping Competition on Saturday afternoon.
On Saturday, the Tractor Pull was pushed forward by one hour, and featured the Illinois Hot Farm Stock Pullers for their third appearance at the fair.
The truck pull had 102 hooks, compared to 79 the year before, and the tractor pull was up as well.
“I think people are spreading the word that we have a good setup and that the competition is good,” Eggers said.
Preperations have already began for next year’s fair.
“We had a meeting once the cleanup was complete about what we could improve to make the fair better for next year,” Eggers said.