The Lorain County Fair opens today in Wellington

WELLINGTON — It's been a while, but the Lorain County Fair is finally back. "Campers are pulling in like mad and concessionaires are showing up. It looks busy," Fair Board Director Marie Waite said as opening weekend neared. It's been two years since the last full fair, thanks to COVID-19. As of Friday, the virus had caused 1,171,557 infections, 63,915 hospitalizations and 20,648 deaths across Ohio. Even in the midst of another wave of cases, fairs statewide are moving ahead. Waite said she is wishing for health, safety and clear skies in the coming week. She wants the chance to enjoy some pizza — her favorite fair snack — and to catch up with friends she hasn't seen for a long time. At the same time, Waite isn't pulling punches about the stakes this year: After the pandemic forced fairs statewide to almost completely shut down in 2020, Lorain County's annual agricultural celebration is hurting. Only the Junior Fair was allowed to proceed last summer, since Gov. Mike DeWine insisted kids be given the chance to show the results of their hard work. Closing the gates to spectators was a big hit to the wallet. That is why, according to Waite, there are few frills planned now, even to observe the county fair's 175th anniversary. It's also why organizers toned down their big-venue shows for 2021. The grandstand has been home in years past to big names like Three Dog Night, The Charlie Daniels Band, Kenny Rogers and the legendary Chubby Checker — Waite said she's looking forward this year to seeing Journey tribute band E5C4P3 and regional country favorites Post Road, but they are admittedly smaller acts than would normally hit the stage. There are also concerns about attendance. After the fair's absence in 2020, there's a good possibility crowds could turn out in droves to make up for lost time, even potentially set a new record. The Medina County Fair saw a surge at its gates earlier this month, and Waite said it would be wonderful to follow suit at the Lorain County Fair. That hasn't been the case everywhere, however. Waite said she ventured west to Norwalk on Tuesday for the Huron County Fair, and was surprised at how empty its grounds appeared. "It seemed dead to me. Not even all the vendors were busy," she said. So predicting how this week will turn out in Wellington is difficult, she said. Hitting 75 percent of the Lorain County Fair's normal attendance would be a win. Based on 117,403 tickets sold at the 2019 fair, that would mean hitting at least 88,000 this week, or a daily average of about 12,500. Waite said she is wary of the impact of new steps being taken by nursing homes could have on those numbers. Some are requiring residents who go to the fair to quarantine for two weeks afterward. Those who do attend can choose to wear masks and use hand sanitizer that will be placed all over the grounds. Signs have been placed at each gate asking anyone who isn't feeling well to just stay home. Even in a "rebuilding" year, the fair has plenty to offer, Waite said. For her, the highlight will be Kids Day, with activities for children all across the fairgrounds. Food will be another big draw, she believes. Although many vendors were slower than normal in committing to the week, there was a last-minute pickup and most food spots have filled out. Pandemic-related supply chain issues have taken a toll there, however. For example, Funky Flamingo was signed up to sell 18 flavors of gelato, but was forced to pull out Thursday because its mix, scheduled to arrive two weeks ago, did not arrive on time. Another booth stepped up to take its spot almost immediately. Rollie Polar will sell ice cream that's spread thin and rolled with lots of toppings. Other new food offerings this year are Moonstone Coffee Works and Lerch's doughnuts, while Boardwalk Noodles dropped out due to staffing issues. That kind of change-over is also happening with rides and games. Not as many carnival operators were available this year, so fair organizers brought in miniature golf and bouncy laser tag to give visitors more options. Fun at the Lorain County Fairgrounds, 23000 Fairgrounds Road in Wellington, begins today, with its opening ceremony and crowning of the Junior Fair king and queen at 5 p.m. No admission will be charged today. The gates will be open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Aug. 29. Tickets are $6 for adults and children older than 8, and children 8 and younger enter free. Credit and debit cards are accepted for admission at Gates 1, 3, 4 and 6, and windows will be marked with payment options. No checks will be accepted. Senior citizens ages 65 and older, veterans and millitary members with proper ID get free admission all day Thursday. For more information, visit www.loraincountyfair.com.