The fair was the place to be as people from around the area traveled to experience the county. From activities like costume contests, to beautiful displays of art, the fair had it all.

Screams of children could be heard as they flew around the carnival rides. Highlighted by a ferris wheel, Scott Amusements, of Pilot Mound, provided an array of rides, including roller coasters, a swing carousel, and a pendulum ride.

One of the top attractions at the fair was the helicopter rides offered by Lake Superior Helicopters. They had two-mile, five-mile, and 10-mile trips in which they gave passengers a small tour of the fairgrounds and surrounding area.

“They’ll take you around showing places like the racetrack and the river — those are what people like the most,” said Jacob Wiser, a ground worker and pilot for the company, “If you get the adrenaline package, they’ll take off the doors and bank really hard — completely safe and a lot of fun.”

-Messenger photo by Karch Smith
The Webster County Fair wrapped up for the summer on Sunday. The midway was a popular place during the fair.

The star of the weekend was the human cannonball act done by Chachi “Rocketman” Valencia. Valencia was launched out of a cannon at 55 miles per hour for 135 feet to his net while he pulls six Gs of force.

“I would say it feels like a controlled car crash.” Valencia said. “I get a lot of thrill from jumps like these.”

Valencia is one of two human cannonball acts in the world that go that far, and that fast, drawing a crowd wherever he performs.

“It’s the reaction from that crowd that I love, especially the little kids.” Valencia said. “I love to leave them shocked.”

Valencia has performed at some of the biggest venues in the world, such as Formula One races, NASCAR races, and even the 2012 London Olympics closing ceremony. His experience and expertise have led him to be a star, and a spectacle for anyone who attended the fair.

For those more interested in staying on the ground, the arena held livestock shows. Some of the best cattle, pigs, and horses from around the area were shown off this weekend. Handlers present with elegance, but also control as they dance with their animal.

For something a little faster paced, the track had cowboys and cowgirls competing in barrel races. A combination of tight turning and straightaway speed makes barrel racing very difficult. But the best in the county made it look easy as they fought for the fastest time.

Little ones ran free on Thursday, where it was kids’ day at the fair. Bouncy houses, a foam mud pit, and face painting were all part of the festivities.

“I liked the bouncy house,” said Kiernan Kavanaugh, 5. “I wanted to ride the rides and play in the foam pit, but mom said no.”

Kids also got to participate in contests held on the main stage where they got to show off some unique talents. Many of them were big fans of the cupcake eating contest. Being split up into age groups created tough competition between friends, as the kids tried their hardest to stuff their face faster than their peers. Were they doing it to compete, or just for a free cupcake? We may never know.

When the kids went to sleep after a long day of playing, the lights came on and cars were flying at races during the weekend. The best drivers in the county went wheel to wheel around the figure eight track. The grandstands were packed with patrons roaring for their friends and family.