
The Cumming Country Fair & Festival is winding down for another year, but there’s still time to enjoy the family fun. Donna Cruse, Cumming Fairgrounds administrative assistant, said this year’s fair has seen strong attendance numbers. Sunny skies and unseasonably warm temperatures during the opening days led to record attendance numbers, she said. “We started out so great,” she said. “We had the three record days. With the cooler temperatures [this week], that’s hurt us a little bit.” Cruse said during its first six days, the fair saw nearly 71,000 in attendance. “In 2011, through the first six days, we had 53,458, so we’re up and that’s good,” she said. The 11-day festival concludes this weekend with the American Bull Riders Tour at 8 p.m. Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday. The tour came to the fair for the first time last year, and fairgrounds director Dave Horton said it was a big hit. “The bull riding tour was very well received last year, so I think that’s even going to be better as far as the number of riders and so,” Horton said. Those wanting to enjoy the fair tonight can take advantage of the Football Friday Night special if they first attend any Forsyth County high school football game. Each game ticket stub will get the holder into the fair for free after 9 p.m. Saturday will also offer free admission and rides from 10 to 11 a.m. and two-for-one rides from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.Cruse said she’s hoping for good weather for the weekend.“I think maybe with the weekend, the temperatures are supposed to be a little warmer, so hopefully that’ll help [with attendance],” she said. She noted that people always seem to enjoy the fair with all of its rides, concerts and historical exhibits. “We had some people to just stop [by the fairgrounds office] last night and tell us that they had a great time and how they enjoyed all the exhibits we have here, so that’s always very nice to hear,” she said. “It’s good to get positive feedback.”