Thousands come to the fairgrounds for the Family Fun Fest
Last year, the Family Fun Fest, held at the Tuscarawas County fairgrounds, provided an event that more than 3,000 people enjoyed.This year, the seventh annual Family Fun Fest far exceeded that number, with more than 1,000 through the gate in a little over an hour after opening.
People continued to flow into the event, held Oct. 24, from 1-5 p.m., right up until closing.
“Our biggest obstacle now,” said Pastor Larry Fletcher, of the First Assembly of God, which hosts the event, “is we are maxed out on parking space. Fortunately, fairgrounds caretaker Brent Cavanaugh told us today that we may be able to use the infield area of the fairgrounds next year and that will hold many more vehicles.”
“Our buildings are completely filled as well,” added Holly Wright, one of the coordinators of the fun fest. “We will definitely have to expand.”
That problem may be taken care of as well, said Cavanaugh, by utilizing the area under the grandstand.
The First Assembly of God and more than 140 business sponsors in the area provided non-stop fun for children and families.
Family Fun Fest was free of charge and included bags of candy for the first 1,000 children, balloon jumps by Kurt James Fun & Games, refreshments, face painting, ToddlerLand (motorized swings, mini balloon jumps, and a gymnastic area), clowns and characters, cotton candy and popcorn provided by Pangrazio’s Pizza of Dennison, hayrides by Carl Lanzer Farms, hot apple cider by Ken McCluggen, door prizes from more than 100 area businesses, cookies baked by local nursing homes, and a new jousting area.
Door prizes, including overnight stays at hotels, restaurant certificates, golf outing certificates, bicycles, gift baskets, and many other items, were called out by First Assembly of God youth pastor Ryan Wykowsky. He, and some of the 96 volunteers, also periodically threw T-shirts to the crowd that said The Light 95.9 FM WNPQ, who were broadcasting live at the Family Fun Fest throughout the day.
Misty Taralla, from New Philadelphia, brought her 6-year-old daughter, who dressed up as a cowgirl. “We’ve been coming three or four years now,” she said. “I think it’s awesome that the church provides this place that is safe for the kids.”
“Scott Tramell,” said coordinator Scott Wright, “of Dennison T-shirt Graphics, is a member of our church. He did a great banner for free that lists all of our sponsors. We are amazed at the generosity of so many businesses in the area.”
“This Family Fun Fest,” said Fletcher, “is all about families, holidays, and celebration. We have been at the fairgrounds for four years now and are grateful to the fair board and all of the families that come each year.”