Published August 06, 2008 02:46 am - JEFFERSON — The skies cleared, and the sun began to shine Tuesday, just in time for the Ashtabula County Fair’s Bicycle Decorating Contest and Races at the grandstand.
About 25 participate in fair bicycle races, decorating contest
By SHELLEY TERRY - Staff Writer - sterry@starbeacon.com Star Beacon
JEFFERSON — The skies cleared, and the sun began to shine Tuesday, just in time for the Ashtabula County Fair’s Bicycle Decorating Contest and Races at the grandstand.
Children of all ages rode in on their bicycles — and one tricycle — for the event.
The race, which has been held for about 17 years, seems to attract more and more participants each year, said Everett Helfer, fair board member.
“It’s a fun day,” Helfer said. “Fortunately, the weather is going to agree with us.”
The contest is broken down into several age groups, requiring the older children to go farther. After each age group races, an open class race is held. The final race is open to all ages with different designated starting points. Participants ride all the way around the half-mile track.
About 25 racers participated in this year’s event.
Marshall English, 10, of Jefferson, could hear his mother yelling, “Come on, Marshall!” from the grandstand. She always cheers him on, he said.
His twin sister, Megan, and sister Emily, 8, didn’t yell quite so much. Even so, Marhall had a good day at the fair, he said.
Helfer attributes the race’s growth to the prizes given out this year. All first-place winners received bike helmets.
Three participants in the bike decorating contest also received a helmet: Cora Riggleman, Carrie Sanislo and Jenna Sargent.
Helfer said the helmets are a good way to promote safety for the kids.
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