Dennis Martin moved from Waterford to Belpre four years ago, but he didn't leave the Waterford Community Fair behind.
"I still feel like I'm part of the community," said Martin, who is serving as vice president of Waterford Community Fair Inc.
The 52nd Waterford Community Fair kicks off Thursday and runs through Sunday. Martin and other volunteers are busy preparing for the event, which features music, food, tractor pulls and motorcycle and ATV events.
It's the cooperation between the fair organization's members and the community, and the chance to put on events for local children, that keeps Martin coming back.
"I like doing things for the children. That's the backbone of our country," he said.
On the first night of the fair, children 13 and younger can enjoy the rides at no charge. On Friday evening, the Kids Motorcycle and ATV Rodeo will be featured. There will be children's games, including a bicycle rodeo, on Saturday morning.
In addition, many of the food vendors at the fair are raising money to benefit children, Martin said, noting groups like Boy Scouts, athletic boosters, bands and parent-teacher organizations work to feed the crowd.
Community support is important in making the fair happen, Martin said.
"We all work together. We get a lot of sponsors from the community - materials, equipment loaned to us," he said.
The annual fair parade steps off at 6:30 p.m., with Waterford High School graduate Sina King serving as grand marshal. King was a record-setting basketball and track standout for the Wildcats and will be attending the University of Akron on a basketball scholarship.
But Community Fair Inc. member Oran Adams said that was only part of the reason she was chosen as one of the youngest marshals in the parade's history.
"We chose her not only because of her outstanding athletic accomplishments ... but because of her vast community involvement in addition to that," he said.
A release from the fair organization noted King's work as a Girl Scout, food pantry volunteer, Safety Town adviser, bell ringer for the Salvation Army and volunteer at Appletree Nursing Home and the Oliver Tucker Museum, among other things.
King said she is honored to have been selected.
"I can't thank the Waterford community enough, because they've always backed me in everything I do," she said.
King said she enjoys attending the fair and has always considered it a sort of back-to-school event.
"You see all your friends," she said.
Schedule of events
Today
7 to 9 p.m. - Hog weigh-ins.
8 to 9 p.m. - Dairy feeder weigh-ins.
Thursday
7 to 10 a.m. - Hog weigh-ins.
9 a.m. to noon - Hog pictures.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Receiving fancywork.
2 p.m. - All horticulture exhibits in place except cut flowers.
4 p.m. - Gates open; presentation of colors by Boy Scout Troop 222.
5 p.m. - Baby contest (0-1 year, Beautiful Baby; 2-3, Prince and Princess; 4-6, King and Queen; based on age as of Aug. 19). Entry fees are $7 in advance through today and $10 at the time of the contest. For more information: 525-8906.
6 p.m. - Tractor tug pull. For more information: 749-0037 or 984-2097.
6 p.m. - Rides (free to all children 13 and under).
6 p.m. - Garden tractor pull. For more information: 525-5220.
7 p.m. - 4-H crowning king and queen.
7 p.m. - All livestock in place.
Friday
8 a.m. - Presentation of colors.
8 a.m. - Hog judging.
9 a.m. to noon - Cut flowers in place.
10 a.m. - Judging fancywork.
1 p.m. - Judging fruits, vegetables, floral and hay.
4 to 7:30 p.m. - Karaoke registration (free).
5 p.m. - Rides ($12 armband).
5 p.m. - Youth-class bikes can be on the track.
5:30 p.m. - Fair parade forms at Fort Frye High School, Beverly.
6 p.m. - Parade starts, traveling south on Ohio 339 through Waterford to the Community Fairgrounds.
7:30 p.m. - Kids Motorcycle and ATV Rodeo.
8 p.m. - Karaoke contest (13 years and younger, 14 years and older: male and 14 years and older: female; first place in each class gets $100).
Saturday
8 a.m. - Presentation of colors.
8 a.m. - Livestock and Jackpot Show.
9 a.m. - Children's games (bicycle rodeo, helmets recommended, three divisions).
11:30 a.m. - Scales open.
Noon to 5 p.m. - Matinee rides ($10 armband).
Noon - Tractor Speed Pull.
1:30 p.m. - Allen Angle & the Hillbillies.
4 p.m. - Back Porch Swing Band.
5 p.m. - Rides ($12 armband).
6:30 p.m. - The Hart Brothers.
8 p.m. - Tractor Speed Pull.
9:30 p.m. - Pickin' on Country.
Sunday
8 a.m. - Presentation of colors.
8 a.m. - Fun Horse Show signup (entry fee $2 per class).
9 a.m. - Church services in the tent.
Noon to 4 p.m. - Matinee rides ($10 armband).
12:30 p.m. - Dulcimer music.
1 p.m. - Pedal tractor pull.
1 p.m. - Ladies Redneck Rodeo.
2 p.m. - Lacey & Her Attitude Band.
4:30 p.m. - Once Blue.
5 p.m. - Rides ($12 armband).
5 p.m. - Truck and tractor pull ($20 entry fee, $500 purse per class).
7:30 p.m. - Resurrect 27.
