177th annual Medina County Fair open for first day

MEDINA — Residents of Medina County stopped by this year's opening day of the Medina County Fair on Monday to go on rides, eat fair food, see the animals and more. Bernie and Kay Leatherman said they spent their day looking at antiques and flowers at the fair. They have been together for 59 years and have attended the county fair for many decades now. Kay Leatherman said they visit the fair for the memories. Her father helped run the fair for years, and he was on the fair board starting in 1948. She said her favorite fair memories are of him working the fair. When Bernie Leatherman was younger, he was a part of 4-H. He had honeybees for his project, and his honey won a blue ribbon. He also used to go around the county and post signs on telephone poles for the fair's rodeos and motorcycle races. Now he said he likes walking around and looking at everything the fair has to offer. Melinda and Christine Black are mother and daughter, and they come to the fair yearly as part of a family tradition. The part of the fair that they most look forward to is seeing the animals and trying the food. Melinda Black said her favorite food is steak on a stick, while Christine Black could not pick a favorite because she said she enjoys them all. The two walked around the fair and had elephant ears and deep-fried corn. Their goal for the evening was to go on any ride which is scary and goes really fast. "It's the best fair around we think," Christine Black said. There were other festivities on Monday like motocross, the Royal Court contest, veteran's displays and a performance from the Army Band. Veteran themed activities were put on because veterans received free admission to the fair on Monday. The Medina County Fair will run until Sunday with more events and activities to come. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.