Tuesday's Harness Racing Results

After one of the busier days in Clearfield County Fair harness racing history, driver-trainer Roger Hammer of Bedford had to concede he owns a pretty good crop of two-year-old filly pacers this year.

Three of them highlighted Pennsylvania Sire Stakes filly races with consecutive victories at the Driving Park Tuesday afternoon.

Wishfullartist, My Gal Hannah and Caramel Chinno made Hammer the leader for the Charles “Buster” DiSalvo Trophy with four wins at the halfway mark of the meet.

Third leaving the gate, Caramel Chinno was on top coming out of the first turn and clicked off fractions of :30.2, 1:02.1 and 1:31 to score in 2:03.3 and wind up with the W.G. Saterlee & Sons cooler blanket as well as the Fritz Beinhauer Memorial Trophy for the fastest mile on the 11-race card for two-year-old pacers.

“She hasn’t been beaten out here at the fairs,” Hammer noted after the chestnut filly’s fourth win.

Her other two starts were at the raceways, finishing sixth at The Meadows and Chester after being in the top three at the half-mile pole.

“At Chester, she got trapped in, and we couldn’t get out,” Hammer explained. “The other race was her first start and she didn’t know nothing.”

In the first division, Wishfullartist and Swingin Susie, driven by Winston Lineweaver for Ellen Warren of Marydel, Del., traded the lead three times in the first quarter before Hammer put his bay filly in front to stay.

Last Minute Cindy, with Wayne Long in the sulky, made up a lot of ground on the backstretch to briefly grab the second spot before going offstride.

Then, Swingin Susie challenged again in deep stretch, but Wishfullartist held on to win by a quarter of a length in 2:07.3. She has three wins and three seconds in six starts.

“This mare is no good racing on top,” Hammer said. “She won’t go until a horse comes after her. When that horse made a break, I thought I was done for, because I’d rather had him out there racing the whole way. Then, in the stretch, another one come out, and she thought it was all over.

“She’s a better mare out of the hole, but where she was in today, I wanted to put her right on top, figuring if a horse come to her, I could just sit out there and ride with her.”

My Gal Hannah really earned her third win to go with one second and two thirds.

Starting in the second tier, she was parked out most of the trip, inching ahead of pacesetter Countless Gold, driven by Cory Kreiser of Myerstown, at the half before Hammer tucked her into the pocket. My Gal Hannah passed Countless Gold in midstretch to win by 2-3/4 lengths in 2:05.3.

“Before the quarter, she made a little skip, and I just sat on the outside with her,” Hammer said. It was a tough mile, being hung out the whole way. When I got in the turn and gave her a little bit of a breather behind the guy, she rated back up and I came on back out with her again.”

Catch-driver Timmy Offutt guided Dancedowntheaisle to a come-from-behind win, her first, in the final division of the PASS filly race.

Owned and trained by Sherry Libengood of Dayton, the bay filly dueled the entire trip with Samanthas Playmate, driven by Bryce Truitt for owner Dennis Lane of Paramus, N.J. Dancedowntheaisle, in her sixth start, trotted past Samanthas Playmate in midstretch and pulled a way to win by 4-1/2 lengths in 2:07.3.

Chris Shaw was the winning driver in two of the five dashes in the PASS race for colts and geldings, both in wire-to-wire fashion.

His brother Jason’s Stripe’n Star, which has been in the money in all seen races, trotted the mile in 2:05.3 for a 10-length victory in the first division. The bay gelding lowered his lifetime mark by two seconds in his third win.

In the program closer, Chris Shaw sat behind undefeated Evening Shadows for an easy lifetime-best 2:05 trip.

“He ain’t been challenged yet,” Shaw said. “I never touched him with the whip. He just went right on.”

Evening Shadows, now five-for-five, is owned and trained by Charles Von See of Sun City Center, Fla.

Steve Schoeffel, another doublewinner, had everybody chasing Stealth Flight in the third division. The brown gelding posted his third win in six starts, scoring in 2:06 after being pressed most of the last half by Keystone Reactor, driven Kreiser.

“He was waiting on horses,” Schoeffel said. “When a horse comes at him, then he’ll go on. Once he opened up on him, then he kind of shut back down again.”

Red Burn, driven by Chris Shaw, got up for second but was 2-3/4 lengths back of Stealth Flight, owned by Schoeffel’s mother, Virginia, and wife, Kathy, of Evans City along with Jim Reuther of East Auroroa, N.Y., and Jerry Dedoszak of Varysburg, N.Y.

The other two divisions of produced thrilling finishes.

Young driver Eric Neal of Punxsutawney took Fool To Cry three wide in the final turn to track down three rivals, and the bay gelding owned by David and John Prushnock of Punxsy pulled away in deep stretch to beat fast-closing Lookout Josh, driven by Brad Provost, by 3-3/4 lengths in the second division.

Fool To Cry, which had placed third and second at Dayton in his only other starts, paced the mile in a 2:04.4, earning the Ron Lizotte cooler blanket for the fastest of the five dashes.

Lookout Macatoo had the fans in the grandstand roaring by nipping Hammer’s Roses Wild by a quarter-length at the wire in the fourth division, setting a lifetime mark with the 2:05.2 win that was his second in three starts.

Provost kept Lookout Macatoo, owned by Douglas Cullers and Thomas Hope of Greenville, Ohio, in the pocket most of the way. He made a bid at the half-mile mark but ducked back in and waited until the final quarter to make his move.

Hammer wasn’t surprised Roses Wild didn’t hang on.

“He can pace fast, but he’s sulky,” Hammer said. “He won’t try all the time. You can’t catch him with the whip. If you do, he’ll stop. So you just hope he keeps going and get what you can get.”

Come-from-behind wins by Pinkalicious and Born for Speed in the Butch Flanagan Memorial Quaker States Filly Pace got the program off to an exciting start.

Driver-trainer Long had Pinkalicious right behind or beside Sam’s Diamond throughout the opener. The bay owned by L. A. Express Stable of Lincoln University inched in front at the three-quarter mark and went on to a five-length win, matching his lifetime mark set at Hughesville, 2:07.3.

Schoeffel was the catch-driver for Born For Speed and was content to sit in fourth place for the first trip around the half-mile oval. He moved the bay gelding owned by Martin Frank Baxendell of Belle Vernon into third at the three-quarter mark, second at the top of the stretch and then past Bermuda Rough, driven by Chris Shaw, in mid-stretch.

Born For Speed, which had finished far back in two raceway starts, registered his first win in 2:08, with Bermuda Rough 3-1/4 lengths behind.

Tuesday’s payouts added up to $27,769.6 for a two-day total of $54,546.60.

Wednesday’s purses will be $26,496.60 for three-year-old trotters. Post time will be noon for the first of the nine races that attracted 46 entries.

Tuesday’s results, with place, horse’s name, post position in parenthesis and driver’s name:

Butch Flanagan Memorial Quaker States 2-Year-Old Pace

First Division (Purse $1,297.88) – 1. Pinkalicious (4), W. Long; 2. Sam’s Diamond (1), J. Brewer; 3. Caviart Grace (2), B. Weaver; 4. White Birch Baby (3), S. Johnston. Time: 2:07.3.

Second Division (Purse $1,297.88) – 1. Born for Speed (1), S. Schoeffel; 2. Bermuda Rough (4), C. Shaw; 3. What A Jolt (2), A. Johnston; 4. DVC Havenly Cam (3), T. Offutt. Time: 2:08.

* * * * *

W.G. Saterlee & Sons Pennsylvania Sire Stakes 2-Year-Old Filly Pace

First Division (Purse $3,102) – 1. Wishfullartist (2), R. Hammer; 2. Swingin Susie (3), W. Lineweaver; 3. Metrodisle (5), J. Offutt; 4. Last Minute Cindy (4), W. Long. Time: 2:07.3. Sc – Blissful Artist (1).

Second Division (Purse $3,102) -1. My Gal Hannah (5), R. Hammer; 2. Countless Gold (4), C. Kreiser; 3. TSM American Gal (3), B. Provost; 4. Fantasize (2), B. Truitt; 5. Western Dawn (1), W. Long. Time: 2:05.3.

Third Division (Purse $3,102) – 1. Caramel Chinno (2), R. Hammer; 2. Unreal Appeal (5), S. Schoeffel; 3. Crafty Friend (3), J. Brewer; 4. Sabine’s Dragon (1), T. Offutt; 5. Twincreeks Mystic (4), C. Shaw. Time: 2:03.3.

Fourth Division (Purse $3,052) – 1. Dancedowntheaisle (1), T. Offutt; 2. Samanthas Playmate (2), B. Truitt; 3. Bliss My Britches (3), C. Shaw; 4. Mandys Dads A Lair (4), B. Provost. Time: 2:07.3.

* * * * *

Ron Lizotte Pennsylvania Sire Stakes 2-Year-Old Colt Pace

First Division (Purse $2,611.15) – 1. Stripe’n Star (3), C. Shaw; 2. Jus Another Joe (2), D. Brickell; 3. My Edward (6), B. Truitt; 4. Tsmstriking Dragon (4), B. Provost; 5. Ding Dong Ditch (1), W. Long. Time: 2:05.3. Sc – New Idea (5).

Second Division (Purse $2,611.15) – 1. Fool To Cry (2), E. Neal; 2. Lookout Josh (5), B. Provost; 3. Mythbuster Hanover (3), S. Schoeffel; 4. Move Maker (5), G. Heit III; 5. Wynwood Art (1), B. Truitt; 6. DVC Hipnjazzy (4), R. Hammer. Time: 2:04.4.

Third Division (Purse $2,611.15) – 1. Stealth Flight (1), S. Schoeffel; 2. Red Burn (3), C. Shaw; 3. What R U Doin (5), R. Hammer; 4. Keystone Reactor (4), C. Kreiser; 5. Yourgonnamissme (2), B. Provost. Time: 2:06.

Fourth Division (Purse $2,611.15) – 1. Lookout Macatoo (1), B. Provost; 2. Roses Wild (4), R. Hammer; 3. Four Starz O (5), S. Schoeffel; 4. Down Right Hanover (3), T. Offutt; 5. Precise Accusation (2), R. Rougeaux III. Time: 2:05.2.

Fifth Division (Purse $2,611.15) – 1. Evening Shadows (1), C. Shaw; 2. T. Boone (2), R. Hammer; 3. Little Mans Magic (4), D. Brickell; 4. Special Agent Gibz (5), S. Gastelu; 5. Fast Heat (3), J. Offutt. Time: 2:05.

Monday's Harness Racing Results

Witch’s Magic Brew and KT Tag I’m It didn’t make up the daily double, but they made quite a parlay for owner-trainer Ken Weaver of Home, a village near Marion Center, and catch-driver Ed McNeight Jr. on opening day for the 2010 Clearfield County Fair harness racing meet.

They posted contrasting victories as two of the seven winners on Monday’s card for two-year-olds at the Driving Park.

Witch’s Magic Brew led wire-to-wire in the Foster Kerr Memorial, one of three Pennsylvania Sire Stakes divisions for fillies, while KT Tag I’m It came from behind to claim the Kevin Beardsley Funeral Home cooler blanket in the second of three PASS divisions for freshmen colts and geldings.

Also recording PASS wins were fillies RT Girls Lie Too and Leona and geldings Cadence Hall and Blueridge Dagon.

In the lone Quaker States race, the meet’s opener, Quick Deal scored in 2:10 for second-year driver Bryce Brocklehurst to earn the Moyer Auto Body Shop blanket.

The 20-year-old from New Wilmington settled his own brown gelding into the pocket behind Chris Shaw’s Shannay after Bryce Truitt’s My Brother Pete went off gate and waited until the midway point to make his move. Brocklehurst had Quick Deal flying past Shannay down the backstretch, and the second-time starter, fourth in his only other trip to the post, went on to win by a whopping 27-1/4 lengths.

The first of the PASS filly dashes produced the most exciting finish as RT Girls Lie Too, driven by trainer Robert Rougeaux III for the Brocious Stable of Marion Center, outlasted Randy Neal’s Aucune Hanover by a half-length after a stirring stretch duel. Ameronica, with Roger Hammer in the sulky, joined those them in two hotly-contested trips around the half-mile oval. RT Girls Lie Too posted a 2:09.4 in the Richard and Betty Fink Memorial for his third win to go with a trio of thirds.

Hammer kept Leona on the front end in guiding her to a lifetime mark of 2:11.1 for owner Janet Irvine of Houston, Pa., in the Earl Hallstrom Memorial. The six-length victory over Brian Weaver’s Comfy Magic was the second in six starts for the bay filly.

Witch’s Magic Brew, which won its qualifying race at The Meadows in 2:04.4 in June, then stretched her winning streak on the fair circuit to six with a 2:09 trip that left Hammer’s Sierra Lady four lengths back after rallying from an early break.

“She’s a nice filly,” said McNeight, who handled the reins because Weaver was driving the starting gate. “She’s real handy and easy to drive. She can get to the front, steal a fraction here or there and always have something for home.

“I think she’s getting better where she can go with the Stallion Series, which is a notch below the Sires.”

Neither Weaver nor Trish Adams, who is stable manager and groom for Weaver as well as an owner and trainer, would have wagered much on Witch’s Magic Brew earlier this year, especially after she went off gait and finished fifth in her fair debut at Meadville.

“I wasn’t impressed with her,” Adams stated. “She has a grouchy attitude in the stall, so I thought we’d be Amishing her. I didn’t think she’d ever make a racer.”

Weaver had similar sentiments but did have some hopes as the bay’s trainer.

“She was nothing til we put the trotting hobbles on her,” he explained. “Then, all of a sudden, she quit making breaks, started getting confident and started to train. She’s hardly made a break since, other that the one at Meadville.

“She’s quick off the gate, but if the horse Hammer was driving would not have made a break, he’d a beat us. I think that horse has a little more trot than she does. She leaves so good, I don’t want to give up the front end when she can get out there. She just doesn’t have a whole lot of finish, especially on the front end.”

Witch’s Magic Brew has been finishing pretty strong so far, piling up more than $10,000 in winnings after just six starts.

Cadence Hall, coming off a win at the Dayton Fairgrounds Saturday, made it three consecutive successes for driver William Daugherty Jr. and owner Susan A. Daugherty of Mercer in the A.E. Gus Mellott Memorial. The bay gelding clicked off the fastest final quarter of the afternoon, 30.4 seconds, to lower his lifetime mark nearly two seconds to 2:07.4. Daugherty, who made his first appearance at the Driving Park oval in 1959, had Cadence Hall 5-1/4 lengths in front of Steve Schoeffel’s Chips A Cumin at the finish line.

KT Tag I’m It rebounded to the form he displayed in winning three of his four starts after losing two places to seventh at The Meadows and three places to fourth at Hughesville two weeks ago because of interference and then finishing second to Hammer’s S J Better Days at Dayton Saturday.

The bay gelding got away fourth, and McNeight bided his time before pulling him out as the field passed the grandstand for the first time. KT Tag I’m It overtook Brocklehurst’s Somolli Crown on the turn at the top of the backstretch and wound up with the Ernest L. Peterson Memorial Award for the fastest mile of the day, 2:04.4.

A break by Somolli Crown in the final turn triggered an accident as Brocklehurst failed to pull his bay gelding to the outside in time to allow Wilbur Yoder’s Centre County to pass. Brocklehurst was knocked off his bike but was not injured.

“I didn’t get him out fast enough and the other horse clipped me and dumped me over,” Brocklehurst said.

Brady Brown’s Jolly Roger was 42 lengths back when KT Tag I’m It flashed under the wire to boost his earnings to just under $10,000. His closing half of just over one minute to boost was by far the fastest of the day.

“KT, he’s a really good horse,” McNeight said. “He could go places. He could go, probably, almost as fast as any two-year-old around.

“This is a pretty nice horse he went by. I didn’t know if I could get him. Once he got by, they weren’t coming back and beating him.”

Weaver noted that KT Tag I’m It’s mother, KT Troublein Dixie, had the most wins (22) of any two-year-old in the country in her first year of racing.

His plans are to ship KT Tag I’m It to the Pocono Downs next week for a big stakes race at the pari-mutuel track.

In the day’s finale, Yoder had Blueridge Dagon in the right spot when S J Better Days broke on the second trip down the backside and the brown gelding owned and trained by Michael Gillock of Belle Vernon scored in 2:08 with Hot Hot Broadway, driven by Fred Uber Jr., finishing 6-1/4 lengths behind.

Blueridge Dagon sports one other fair circuit win and also was first in a qualifier with a 2:05.3 trip at The Meadows last week.

First day purses totaled $26,777.10.

Tuesday’s payouts will be $27,769.50 for 54 two-year-old pacers entered in 11 dashes. Post time will be at noon.

Monday’s results, with place, horse’s name, post position in parenthesis and driver’s name:

Moyer Auto Body Quaker States 2-Year-Old Trot (Purse $2,396.60) – 1. Quick Deal (2), B. Brocklehurst; 2. Bona Fide Man (1), E. McNeight Jr.; 3. Shannay (3), C. Shaw; 4. My Brother Pete (4), B. Truitt. Time: 2:10.

* * * * *

Pennsylvania Sire Stakes 2-Year-Old Filly Trot

Richard and Betty Fink Memorial Division (Purse $4,111.17) – 1. RT Girls Lie Too (1), R. Rougeaux III; 2. Aucune Hanover (2), R. Neal; 3. Ameronica (3), R. Hammer; 4. Ohno U Just Didn’t (6), B. Provost; 5. Juniata County (4), W. Yoder; 6. DVC Howsmyfuture (5), C. Shaw. Time: 2:09.4.

Earl Hallstrom Memorial Division (Purse $4,111.17) -1. Leona (3), R. Hammer; 2. Comfy’s Magic (4), B. Weaver; 3. Cameron County (5), W. Yoder; 4. RT Show Stopper (2), R. Rougeaux III; 5. LJ’s Fortune (1), E. McNeight Jr.; 6. TSM Sweet Reward (6), B. Provost. Time: 2:11.1.

Foster Kerr Memorial Division (Purse $4,111.16) – 1. Witch’s Magic Brew (3), E. McNeight Jr.; 2. Arizona Miss (2), R. Hammer; 3. Howardeena Hanover (1), K. Good; 4. RT Slide Job (6), R. Rougeaux III.; 5. Arneis Lady (5), T. Offutt; 6. Sierra Lady (4), W. Yoder. Time: 2:09.

* * * * *

Pennsylvania Sire Stakes 2-Year-Old Colt Trot

A. E. Gus Mellott Memorial Division (Purse $4,015.67) – 1. Cadence Hall (1), W. Daugherty Jr.; 2. Chips a Cumin (5), S. Schoeffel; 3. Six Pack Abs (3), E. McNeight Jr.; 4. KC Willemakeit (4), R. Neal; 5. Antipasto Hanover (2), R. Hammer. Time: 2:07.4.

Kevin Beardsley Funeral Home Division (Purse $4,015.67) – 1. KT Tag I’m It (3), E. McNeight Jr.; 2. Jolly Roger (4), B. Brown; 3. Centre County (2), W. Yoder; 4. BR Won Cool Ridge (5), S. Gastelu. Time: 2:04.4. DNF – Somolli Crown (1), B. Brocklehurst.

Auto Mart of Clearfield Division (Purse $4,015.66) – 1. Blueridge Dagon (2), W. Yoder; 2. Hot Hot Broadway (5), F. Uber Jr.; 3. Procol Harem Chip (3), B. Weaver; 4. Greatest Hits (1), B. Truitt; 5. S J Better Days (4), R. Hammer. Time: 2:08.

Fair Parade Winners

2010 FIRE EQUIPMENT AWARDS

BEST OVERALL ENGINE:BOALSBURG

2ND BEST OVERALL ENGINE: MAHAFFEY

BEST OVERALL ENGINE / TANKER: WINBURNE

2ND BEST OVERALL ENGINE / TANKER: CENTRAL FIRE

BEST OVERALL TANKER – 1500 GALLONS OR MORE: UNION

2ND BEST OVERALL TANKER – 1500 GALLONS OR MORE: TREASURE LAKE BEST OVERALL AERIAL: CRYSTAL

2ND BEST OVERALL AERIAL: HYDE

BEST OVERALL RESCUE TRUCK: BLAZING ARROW

2ND BEST OVERALL RESCUE TRUCK: CURWENSVILLE

BEST OVERALL AMBULANCE OR QRS: QRS 7 GLEN RICHEY

BEST OVERALL BRUSH: RELIANCE

FIRE COMPANY MAKING BEST APPEARANCE: LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP # 1

FIRE COMPANY TRAVELING LONGEST DISTANCE: RENOVO

BEST OVERALL FIRE APPARATUS (JUDGES CHOICE) (SPONSORED BY PAUL {FOOT} & SUE LANICH): BALD EAGLE

2010 BAND AWARDS

1ST PLACE SENIOR SCHOOL BAND (CLASS AAA): DUBOIS

2ND PLACE SENIOR SCHOOL BAND (CLASS AAA): MARION CENTER

1ST PLACE SENIOR SCHOOL BAND (CLASS AA): CURWENSVILLE

2ND PLACE SENIOR SCHOOL BAND (CLASS AA): WEST BRANCH

1ST PLACE SENIOR SCHOOL BAND (CLASS A): PHILIPSBURG – OSCEOLA

2ND PLACE SENIOR SCHOOL BAND (CLASS A): MOSHANNON VALLEY

1ST PLACE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL BAND: CLEARFIELD

2ND PLACE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL BAND: CURWENSVILLE

BEST APPEARING BAND FRONT: CURWENSVILLE

BEST DRUM MAJOR (JUDGES AWARD): DUBOIS

BEST COLOR GUARD CAPTAIN (JUDGES AWARD): DUBOIS

1ST PLACE MINIATURE TWIRLING UNIT: DAISIES TWIRLERS

2ND PLACE MINIATURE TWIRLING UNIT: MORRIS – COOPER MINI MAJORETTES

3RD PLACE MINIATURE TWIRLING UNIT: HYDE FIRECRACKERS

BEST DRUM AND BUGLE / PIPE BAND: NITTANY HIGHLANDERS

BEST APPEARING FLOAT USING PARADE COMMITTEE THEME: KEYSTONE CHILD CARE ASSOC

BEST OF SHOW OVERALL (PARADE COMMITTEE CHOICE )

(SPONSORED BY “ROBBINS MOTORS”): CLEARFIELD AREA HIGH SCHOOL BAND

Halee Kephart Crowned 2010 Fair Queen

Gantdaily.com - (Jessica Shirey)

On Sunday afternoon, contestant Halee Kephart was the judges’ favorite, as she was crowned the 2010 Clearfield County Fair Queen at the grandstand.

“(While waiting for the results to be announced,) I thought if I’m not first or second, I’m not in this court,” Kephart said.

“Then, they announced me as queen, and I couldn’t believe it. I was like ‘are they sure that’s right? Did they just same my name?’”

Kephart, 19, is the daughter of David and Janice Kephart of Curwensville and a graduate of the Curwensville Area High School.

She’s currently enrolled in the practical nursing program at the Clearfield County Career and Technology Center.

Kephart was the third runner-up in last year’s fair queen competition. She said her experience completely changed her life and prepared her for this year.

According to her, she learned a lot from 2009 Fair Queen Rachel Syktich. She said the former queen taught her determination and grace as well as to love their fair.

“And, she taught me to basically not worry about it,” Kephart said of the competition with a light laugh. “I’m just so excited.”

During the speech segment, Kephart congratulated the community for celebrating its 150th fair this year.

“Why should you come to my fair? You already have all the answers,” she said. She said agriculture is currently Pennsylvania’s top industry.

She noted that agriculture accounts for one of every seven jobs in the state and that 92 percent of farms are family-owned.

In 1860, Kephart said community members organized a gathering during “the hottest week of summer” to celebrate agriculture. She said then the fair was born.

Kephart said the same tradition continues this year, drawing attendees from “far and wide” to the fairgrounds. She said it would be tradition for thousands to line the streets for the parade and fireworks Monday night.

She said it would be tradition for families to stroll through the animal barns before hitting the midway carnival with their children.

“It’s our tradition; it’s our life. Here’s to 150 years and to 150 more,” Kephart said.

Kephart will be joined by first runner-up Kathrine Dixon and second runner-up Melanie Swartz. Both are 18 years old and graduates of the Moshannon Valley Junior – Senior High School.

Dixon is the daughter of Thomas and Dawn Dixon, of Houtzdale. Swartz is the daughter of Frank and Mary Ann Swartz of Ginter.

Prior to the end of her reign, Syktich offered her farewell. She said people’s lives are shaped by the choices they make.

When she became involved with the fair queen program, she admitted she had “no idea” about the opportunities that would be presented to her.

“On Aug. 2, 2009, my life was shaped, when they called my name,” Syktich recalled. “It will be the same for one of these girls today.”

Reflecting back to a year ago, Syktich said her “first stop” was harness racing. She was asked to go for a ride.

“I thought, ‘they really are trying to kill me,’” she said with a laugh.

But once on the track, she realized her experience was one rarely found at present-day fairs. She pointed out that Clearfield is one of just 15 fairs statewide that still offer harness racing.

She said fair week was highlighted by her screaming each time Alice Cooper pointed to her among the track crowd, sharing “dippy pizza” with her court and laughing with former fair queens while playing Fat Albert.

“I have many stories but promised the girls that I’d keep it to 10 minutes,” Syktich said. She said the constant support and stories of the former queens were valuable to her and will be to the future queen.

She continued, “It was the best fair I ever had. It was an unforgettable year. I don’t think that I’m ever going to say goodbye.”

Midway to Open Sunday

Reithoffer Shows made their debut in Clearfield in 1980. Their last apperance was in 1992. Reithoffer Shows is the innovator when it comes to spectacular rides and attractions. They have brought a dazzingling array of rides including Freak Out, Sling Shot, Dutch Wheel, Tornado, Sizzler, Cliff Hanger, and Orbiter. There are also plenty of rides for the little ones including Fire Chief, Bumble Bee, Bear Affair, Raiders, Jumpin Star and Dizzy Dragons. There is also Mini Indy, Super Scooter, Orient Express, and a midway staple, the Merry Go Round.

The Midway will open on Monday at 11am and Tuesday through Friday at 10am. Paid gate admission of $8 includes an all day ride pass, ages 4 and up. An orange ticket will be given to those who pay at the gate. The orange ticket will be exchanged for a ride band at any of the Reithoffer ticket booths on the Midway. For those under age 4, a ride band can be purchased at the Reithoffer ticket booths for $5. “We are thrilled to have an amusement company of such high caliber on our Midway”; stated Greg Hallstrom, Fair Manager.

Don’t miss out on all the other entertainment on grounds that is provided free with gate admission. Buffo The World’s Strongest Clown, Bixby’s Rainforest Rescue, and First Bite Fishing Tank are all located in the Expo II Plaza. Buffo and Bixby’s Rainforest Rescue will perform three shows daily while First Bite Fishing Tank will be open from 11am to 9pm daily.

The David H. Litz Grove Stage features a variety of entertainment throughout the week. Harmonious Funk will perform on Monday; Primer Greys on Wednesday, The Moore Brothers on Friday; and Elvis Impersonator Ryan Pelton on Saturday. Tuesday at the Grove Stage is packed with Kid’s Day Activities featuring Dennie Huber Balloon Artist and Magician; a scavenger hunt; watermelon eating contest; face painting; pedal tractor pull; finger printing; and Smokey the Bear will make an appearance. Tuesday evening catch a special performance by the CAST Youth Choir. They consist of twelve young men and ladies ranging from ten to fifteen singing Pop, Broadway, Patriotic, and Contemporary. Thursday afternoon features Queen for a Day, a program for young ladies ages thirteen to twenty to learn beneficial skills such as etiquette, public speaking, and hair and make up. The event will feature an apperance by Miss Pennsylvania and a fashion show. Registrations for the event will be accepted until the day of or all spots have been filled. Thursday evening see The Dance Company show off their dancing skills and thirteen-year old singing senstation Eva Blankenhorn will sure to impress. Saturday at Noon, registrations will begin for the Arm Wrestling Competition which starts at 1pm.

Kid’s Day, Aug. 3, is packed full of entertainment and good old fashioned fair contests; scavenger hunt, watermelon eating contest, and pedal tractor pull. On Aug. 5, Senior’s receive free admission (with ID). A misprint in the Fair Guide incorrectly identifies the entire week as Senior Day. Active Duty Military (with ID) will receive free admission on Aug. 6.

Advance gate only or advance gate/ride passes can be purchased until Aug. 1 until closing of the Ticket Window which is located in front of the Grandstand. Check the official fair Web site for more information and times. Thank you for supporting your local fair and being a part of 150 years of history.