Motocross thrills at fairgrounds

By D.J. Watson Harrison News-Herald Staff Writer

The Harrison County Fair raced out of the gates this year. Literally.

Ohio Viva MX (Motocross) sanctioned the opening night of grandstand action last Monday night in Cadiz. The Viva “Faircross” event brought with them 27 different races, 35 different classes, and over 150 rider entries. It was a full slate of speed and agility, as racers from as young as three and as old as 50 took to the layout inside the old horse-track at the fairgrounds.

It was Viva’s opening night of “Faircross,” a coordinated event series sponsored by Vert MX Graphics out of Canton, that will visit the Caroll (July 19), Summit (July 26), and Tuscarawas (Sept. 18) county fairs over the next three months.

Riders from three different states made the trek to Cadiz, but there were plenty of local racers who ended their nights with a trophy.

Eddie Starosciak of Cadiz took home the top spot in the Bomber class. The Bomber division is made up of bikes that are at least 10 years old. Starosciak showed some versatility, as he also won the Pit Bike Dash for Cash race and the Pit Bike Money class.

Tucker Dulkoski of Hopedale ousted Nash Emery of Cadiz in the Stacyc Age 5-7 division. Rayden Riley, who calls Uhrichsville home, earned the top spot in the 50cc 4-6 Limited class. Michael Yoker out of St. Clairsville landed on top of the podium in the 450B class, he bested Starosciak who finished as the runner up. Yoker also took the top prize in Collegeboy 18-24, and the two-stroke 14+ categories.

Tyler Krawulski of Tippecanoe outlasted Bentley Manbeck of Scio in the Schoolboy 12-17 Class. Robert Page of Uhrichsville took the checkered in the Senior 40+ division, with Shawn Yoho of Cadiz finishing in second.

Men weren’t the only ones to jump on a bike and show their skills. In the Women 14+ Class, Maya Taggart of Wheeling, W.Va., took home the trophy. Isabella Schneider of Jacobsburg raced to the checkered flag in the Girls 11-16 division.

Taggart was one of many West Virginians who registered for the event. There was also a solid showing of riders from the state of Pennsylvania as well. Of those from the Keystone State, Darryn Durham of Valencia may have been the most recognizable name for everyday motocross fans. Durham is a professional moto/supercross rider who has raced all over North America. From California to Ari -

Bakers, photographers pose fierce competition

The number of entries in the seventh through 12th Departments at the 176th Harrison County Fair were up this year.

There was stiff competition in the photography and baked-goods divisions. The fine arts competition was won by Tayla Thompson from the junior division. The inaugural bee product competition drew 12 entries.

The department winners received $50, $30, and $20 respectively, with all division winners receiving $5 and runners-up $2. A special competition, sponsored by the Dausch family, for the “Cookie of the Fair” and its $100 award drew eight entries. The winning cookie was an iced Birthday Cake Cookie. Nearly $1,000 in premiums were paid out over all the divisions.

The winners were:

Seventh Dept. Agricultural Products: Jennifer Eddy (canned vegetable soup), Michelle Meyer, Jennifer Eddy zona, Toronto to New Orleans, Durham has over a decade of professional experience under his belt and he can now add Cadiz, Ohio, to his decorated travel history.

While Monday night’s show was strictly limited to motocross races, the fair hosted ATV and side-by-side open wheel racing the following night.

What is the “fair-est” of them all?

By Ed Banks Harrison News-Herald Staff Writer

The 2023 Harrison County Fair kicked off this week with all the sounds and atmosphere that come along with it.

A walk through the midway allowed visitors to see and hear the vendors’ booths, the rides, the food stands, the different smells, the music, and the animal sales and shows.

The question everyone asks is, “What draws you to the fair?” What one thing is the ‘‘fair-est” of all?

Everyone has their own reasons to go to the fair, it is safe to say that people enjoy the event because of all of the activities. No one event makes up the fair.

If you are from an earlier generation, you may have noticed that a lot has changed. In past days, there were horse races, a different selection of games offered in the arcades, ability shows with wild and tame animals, daredevil auto shows, rides for young and old couples, and shows by famous musical stars, such as the Mandrell Sisters.

When you fast forward to today, three of the fairyest drawing cards seem to be the animal shows and judging, kids on the rides, and the demolition derbies. Though these three represent the fair goers, food gets a boost by its necessity in supporting all three.

Every attendee is part of what will be enjoyed at the fair in the days to come, time may once again change the other elements that make up the Harrison County Fair but it will always be the fair.

Eighth Dept. Baked Goods and Confections: Donna Pendleton (Dinner Rolls), Joyce Brown, Tenley Telfer

Cookie of the Fair: Robin Dowdle, reserve Tenley Telfer

Ninth Dept. Fine Arts with separate photography competition:

Fine Arts: Tayla Thompson (Chick in Acrylic), Savannah Mitchell, Jessica Nisley

Photography: Matt Dowdle (Lighthouse at Barr Harbor, Maine), John Hanish, Joyce Brown

Tenth Dept. Domestic Arts: Danielle McMillon (Girls Dress), Carol McMillon, Janice

Moreland

Eleventh Dept. Hobbies: Ronda Smith (Beaded Flag Over Washington), Janice Moreland, Donna

McBurney

Twelfth Dept. Floriculture: Brittany Mattern (Two-Tiered Flower Arrangement), Brittany Mattern, Monroe

DeLuca

An auction of donated goods from the competition raised over $2,000 for the Agricultural Society, much of which will be used for future premiums. The society would like to extend its thanks to all the buyers and the sponsors of the show. The sponsors were Heritage Veterinary Care; B’s Bouquets & Gifts; Bosler’s Honey, Bees and Accessories; and Lynette and Benny Douch.

June 19-24, 2023

County Fair