Barlow Fair

BARLOW-Grant Bonnette of Cutler may only be 7 months old, but he's already an experienced parade goer after attending the Washington County Fair Parade and Friday's 2012 Barlow Fair parade.

"He likes people so he enjoys it," said proud grandmother Ann Bonnette of Cutler, who has been coming to the Barlow Fair parade since 1984.

"He hasn't heard the fire trucks yet so I don't know how he's gonna do with that," she said as they waited on the parade route.

Article Photos

SHARON BOPP The Marietta Times
A member of the Marietta Shriners hands a lollipop to a girl at Friday’s Barlow Fair parade.

Ann Bonnette was enjoying the social aspects of the parade.

"You just get to see all your neighbors you don't normally get to see. Everybody enjoys visiting with everybody," she said.

Parade attendee Carol Pinkerton, 67, of Bartlett, didn't mind fire trucks one little bit since she's also helping sell food at the fair as a member of the Wesley Township Volunteer Fire Department auxiliary.

Friday evening's weather had Pinkerton excited although she admitted it was a "little cool."

"At least the rain stayed away," she said.

Donna Farley, 54, of Cutler had a prime seat near the intersection of Ohio 339 and Ohio 550.

"I've been here since four o'clock and nobody's getting my seat," she laughingly said.

James Merrill, 9, of Coolville, was attending his first Barlow Fair parade.

"I've been to other parades, not this one," Merrill said.

Word of mouth had traveled fast among his family members because he was ready to see some "hillbillies" (the elaborately decorated hillbilly vehicle that took part in the parade) and get some candy.

"I don't care what kind of candy I get just as long as I get candy," said Merrill.

Candy was also on the mind of Roxie Neville, 42, of Waterford who has been coming to the Barlow Fair and parade for about 40 years and served on the fair board for 16 years.

As a child, she said, "I liked the candy. I still like the candy!"

Neville admitted it was better to watch the parade than be on the fair board.

"It's a whole different kind of a feeling," said Neville. "You get to see the fun side of the parade."

Tom Miles, 59, of Little Hocking, who also served on the fair board for about 20 years, was watching the parade to see his father Jack Miles ride by on the veterans' float.

"He was a (parade) marshal one year," said Miles. "He still helps out with the fair, and he's 87 years old," said Miles.

Evan French, 16, of Vincent planned to watch the parade-and spend the rest of the evening at the Barlow Fair.

"I'm going over to the fair and enjoying all the things they have like fair food and rides," French said.

The Barlow Fair parade had some 600 participants and was expected to draw 2,000 to 3,000 attendees, according to Pat Amrine, Barlow Fair Board secretary.

Dr. Lloyd and Yolan Dennis served as parade marshals.

"We tend to look for people who give back to the community," said Bill Mitchell, secretary of the Scenic Hills Lions Club, which sponsors the Barlow Fair parade.

"Dr. Dennis not only provides medical care in the area...but he and his wife also participate in other activities," Amrine said.

The Dennis' are certified lay speakers who speak at many area churches. Dr. Dennis has also done the Sunday morning Barlow Fair service for the past several years.

Saturday events at the Barlow Fair include the feeder calf show, starting at 8 a.m., and the feeder calf sale, which begins at 5:30 p.m.

"It is the young children in the community-that's what makes (the show and sale) so special," Amrine said.

"It's been a year long project for them," added Amrine. "They're going to say 'Bye bye' to a calf they've been taking care of. That's always a tender moment."

Other Saturday events are the draft horse pull at 10 a.m., garden tractor pull at noon and music by Zach Paxson at 8 p.m.

Fair rides will be open Saturday noon to 5 p.m. and 6 to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Dr. Lloyd Dennis will conduct church services at 10 a.m. Sunday. The tug pull will be held Sunday at noon.