Attendance was down at this year’s Gloucester County Fair, after losing Thursday night’s activities to a torrential downpour, and the traditional Sunday date because carnival providers had to leave for another commitment.

Caleb, George and Jasmine West, from left, take a spin around the Gloucester Fair in one of the carnival’s rides on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Charlie Koenig.

"Everything went very well after the rain delay on Thursday night," said Gloucester Fair Association president Rachael Burnette, as the storm’s accompanying front lowered the heat and humidity for the rest of the event.

Burnette, who is stepping down after 40 years with the Gloucester County Fair, was recognized for her service during Friday’s opening ceremonies. Opening ceremonies were originally scheduled for Thursday night, but Mother Nature had other plans. The Miss Gloucester County Fair Pageant, which was also supposed to be held on Thursday night, was moved to Saturday afternoon.

In addition to Thursday night’s rainout, and not being open on Sunday, attendance may have been low for another reason. "I think the economy is still hurting us, too," Burnette said.

As far as next year’s fair is concerned, some people have considered taking over the leadership, but no one has definitely committed yet, Burnette said. "We have some decisions to make," she said. "I hope someone will step forward … we need some new folks, new blood and new ideas."

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