By Alex Tiegen – TC Palm
STUART — The Martin County Fair ended Saturday with the cracking of cattle whips and the guitar and accordion melodies of Latin music, two icons of Martin County’s past culture and present diversity.
Guy Kitchens/Correspondent From left, Martavious Rogers, and Bradlee Parks soar in the sky while riding a ride during the Martin County Fair.
And as the 50th celebration of Martin County’s agricultural heritage wrapped up Saturday, organizers expressed satisfaction that more guests attended this year than last year. The president of the Martin County Fair Association estimated attendance was up 20 percent or more, despite the bad economy
“I believe people are thinking they should just go out and have a good time, regardless,” said Roy Rochester, president of the fair association, the nonprofit that raise money for and organizes the event.
Carl Begeman, treasurer of the fair association, said he was pleased at the high turnout, despite the bad economy.
“I was kind of worried myself, but it’s worked out in our benefit,” he said.
Begeman said he thinks patrons chose not to go to the large theme parks this year and used the money for the fair instead.