The 2015 Pike County Fair Oct. 6-10 was the most successful Pike County fair since 2001 and boasted a 10 percent increase in attendance over last year’s fair.

Homer Homann, president of the sponsoring Troy Shrine Club said he contributes the increased participation to an outstanding midway and new ideas and innovative thinking by the Shriners.

“We opened the Pike County Fair on Tuesday night with the first ever Demolition Derby and we had between 700 and 900 people who came to the derby and then enjoyed the fair,” Homann said. “With this being our first Demolition Derby, it was a learning experience. We sat down with the drivers and the promoter after the derby to talk about how next year’s derby can be bigger and better and we’ll make those changes and adjustments.

Homann said the midway was filled each night with fun and thrills-a-minute.

“We had a very good opening night on Tuesday and Wednesday was two-for-one night and that incentive brought out a good crowd,” he said. “The rest of the nights, we were packed from early until late. People just seemed to really enjoy everything that makes a county fair a special fall event.

“We had six rides that were especially for kids and you could tell by the smiles that they had a ball. And, the camels on the midway were a big success. Camels are very difficult to train and these were well trained and people really enjoyed seeing them. The camels will be back again next year.”

Homann said the entertainment each night was outstanding and there was always a good crowd at the pavilion.

“We pride ourselves in bringing some of the best local entertainment around to the Pike County Fair,” he said. And we had the best exhibits in several years and people remarked about how much they enjoyed the exhibits. We had a very large student art exhibit and it’s always good to see students participating in the county fair.”

Homann said the Troy Shrine Club will award about $4,000 in prize money to the exhibit winners. The categories ranged from barn animals to canned fruits and vegetables, woodworking and art work.

“The Troy Shriners want to thank everyone who made the 2015 Pike County Fair a success,” he said. “To all of the entertainers, exhibitors, advertisers, sponsors and those who attended, we say thank you. We appreciate everyone for their support of the Troy Shine Club and we look forward to the 2016 Pike County Fair topping this one.”