Fair returns, offering chance for ‘family time’

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For the first time in two years, this past weekend was an opportunity to gather with family and friends for the annual two-day East Perry Fair in Altenburg.
Friday’s festivities kicked off with a parade from Maple Street (near Immanuel Lutheran Church) down Main Street, then making a right turn onto to Church Street (near Trinity Lutheran Church) and toward the fairgrounds.
“A lot of people were out, giving them a chance to be among their friends and neighbors, having a good time again,” said Fred Eggers, one of the event’s publicity chairmen.
Eggers said there was an increase in local band participation.
“We had more high school bands than we’ve ever had before,” Eggers said. “We’ve never had six before. I think these smaller schools, they like coming to our parade.”
All in all, it was a very good fair weekend, according to Eggers.
“Everything went pretty well,” Eggers said. “It’s hard to compare things to other years because the events are more spread out, with having the tractor pull. During the day our crowds were probably down a little from some years, but overall it was one of our biggest crowds ever.”
The crowds gathered earsly, in anticipation of the parade, and looked forward to meeting and catching up with friends and relatives.

Keeping the grandstand entertainment as well as the parking free is one of the events main draws, according to Eggers.
“If people support our concession stands, we can make the money to cover the other costs,” Eggers said.
Valerie Petzoldt was at the fairgrounds multiple days over the past week.
“It’s family time, and it starts before (the parade), we’re on the chicken committee and we put up cages on Sunday, come Thursday night, bring the chickens, come Friday, make sure the judging is going well, Saturday we show sheep, and tonight we sold sheep, so it’s all weekend,” she said.
Austin Petzoldt, 13, of Oak Ridge was among several individuals showing animals this past weekend. It’s an annual tradition, and he’s now showing multiple types of animals.
“It means a lot,” he said. “We came here when I was little just showing a couple chickens and it was fun. Now that we’re older we’re showing sheep.”
Petzoldt took home a little spending money for selling his sheep, but he admitted he shows the sheep for more than just the money.
“It’s good for the experience,” he said.