Hectic fair week means slow business week

One of the biggest events of the year has descended on Warren County. Activities are in full swing for the 54th annual Warren County A&L Fair.

Beginning Friday night and lasting until the rides close this Saturday at midnight, the fair will be flooded with visitors.

There are so many activities, it takes a board of directors made up of over 50 volunteers and a youth fair board made up of over 20 to organize it all. Once organized, a fair book is published so visitors and activity participants don’t miss anything.

As the fairgrounds bustles with excitement, other activities come to a halt for the week. Among those activities:

‘ The city of McMinnville has canceled its board meetings for the week.

‘ County meetings are suspended except under pressing circumstances.

‘ McMinnville Civic Center’s gym floor will be closed for cleaning for the entire week, although the rest of the building remains open.

‘ Three Star Cinema shuts down.

‘ Warren County schools even close for a day on Friday. On this day there is a special ride-a-thon from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. costing $12.

The constant flow of traffic at the fair also puts a strain on area restaurants. While some cut back on employee hours because they expect a few less patrons, at least one restaurant closes altogether.

J’s Restaurant, located in the Three Star Mall and owned by Jean-Claude Petit, will be closed the week of the fair. For the last 20 years, the business has been closed during that time. While the rest of the town enjoys a week at the fair, Petit enjoys a week’s vacation. J’s will reopen Sept. 17.