Jackson County Fair Wraps Up at the Expo

Thousands turn out for the last day of the 2008 Jackson County Fair.

On the last day of the Jackson County Fair the rides kept on spinning and dropping and vendors kept serving up their ever popular fair food.

"There's good stuff you can only get out here like funnel cakes, turkey legs," said Melinda Owens of Medford.

New vendors found joy in bringing something different along with Izzy's BBQ.

"Everything is homemade including barbecue sauce, people say you're not the traditional carnival food we want to be something completley different but comforting at the same time," said Norma Frangakis, owner of Izzy's BBQ.

JD Platt's Flying K-9 dog show was also a big draw. But perhaps one of the biggest draws every year, is something more traditional, the Future Farmers of America and 4-H competitions.s

"FFA stuff was the most fun, watching everyone sell their steer and their cattle and pigs and stuff," said Curtis Wiltse of Central Point.

Samantha Laoper, received a spirit and perseverence award. She's been active in 4-h for eight years, and she didn't stop, even after breaking her neck in a car accident last year.

"It's been really challenging with my accident, being out here good to feel like normal again," said Samantha.

With this year's successes, they're already thinking about next year.

"Looking at a makeover redoing some traffic patterns gussying up the facility up temporary scaffolding and fabric people will see a brand new fair with a lot of ties to traditional activities," said Chris Borovansky, the fair director.

Many said the fair felt like a family reunion.

"People you know from the valley everyone come here get to see everyone you haven't seen in a long time," said Xane Buckingham.

Fair officials say ticket sales this year were very strong. They also had several new programs this year and found success in their big push for recycling and providing a smoke free environment.