Clinton County Fair comes next month

Local News

Related Photos

Justin Moore performs during the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Tenn., earlier this month. AP File Photo

Discussion

PLEASE NOTE: There is a 150 word maximum for comments. All comments greater than 150 words in length will be deleted in their entirety.

ALSO NOTE: Derisive name-calling of an individual or group will result in the entire comment being deleted. This includes the terms "stupid" and "idiot" and similar references.

Welcome to our new online comments feature. Before you can join the discussion, you must first register with Disqus and verify your email address.

Once you do, your comments will post after they have been reviewed by a moderator.

We welcome your thoughts and your opinions, including unpopular ones. We ask only that you keep the conversation civil and clean.

Not all comments are deemed printable. Some are disqualified, at the newspaper’s discretion, for a number of reasons. Here are some typical practices to avoid in trying to get your comment printed:

There is a 150 word maximum for comments. All comments greater than 150 words in length will be deleted in their entirety.

Don’t state as a fact something that is unsubstantiated or that our editors wouldn't know to be true.

Don’t presume someone’s guilt in a case when it hasn't been established by a court.

Don’t assail or impugn an identifiable individual or group. If you have that kind of criticism, sign your name and submit it as a Letter to the Editor. (There is some leeway on this in connection with public officials, but it is not unconditional.)

Don’t use profanity. This includes the term “tea bagger.”

Don’t be incendiary or tasteless. Those qualities are subjective, of course, and our editors will be the arbiters.

Do not identify yourself in the main content area of the article content form. Only by enforcing this rule can the moderators prevent unscrupulous commenters from falsely identifying themselves as someone they are not.

Don't type in all caps. It is considered the Internet equivalent of shouting.

In sports articles, do not criticize officiating.

Remember, moderators are not allowed to edit any article comments. If an article comment fails any of the above criteria, the entire comment will be deleted.

We monitor comments Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Approval of comments outside these times may be delayed.

comments powered by Disqus

June 17, 2010

By JEREMY FISHER Contributing Writer The Press Republican Thu Jun 17, 2010, 02:52 PM EDT

PLATTSBURGH — With the Clinton County Fair still more than a month away, Glenn Gillespie is already selling tickets for one of its main attractions, country star Justin Moore.

Gillespie has managed the fair for 10 years and is expecting around 30,000 visitors this season.

"I think the fair is going in the right direction," he said.

The 63rd-annual Clinton County Fair will take place July 20 through 25.

CROWD FAVORITES

According to Gillespie, the fair will include new attractions, as well as many old favorites.

"We still do harness racing, which is no longer around other places."

Gillespie said other returning crowd favorites include pig racing, horse and cattle shows, live bands, carnival rides, chain-saw sculpting, fireworks and a Demolition Derby, which is usually a sellout.

A crepe-eating contest will be added, along with the popular michigan-eating contest.

JUSTIN MOORE

One of the biggest draws is the fair's live performance by a nationally recognized artist or band, which has seen success in the past with acts, such as Simple Plan and Brad Paisley.

"I am seeing a lot of excitement, especially from younger people for Justin Moore," Gillespie said.

Moore will be performing at the fair at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 21.

His hit singles "Small Town U.S.A." and "Backwoods" reached the top 10 in U.S. country charts.

Ticket prices range between $12 to $17, depending on seating location before the show.

Gillespie said he is happy to see people excited for Moore, especially when it is so difficult to book big-name stars.

"It's hard to get them to come because we are not around anywhere big. We have to get them at the right time, when they are touring or going to be somewhat in the area."

TALENT EVENT

The fair will also include the new North Country Has Talent competition, pattered after the popular television show.

The winner will receive $500 in cash and a $500 gift certificate for Kneucraft Jewelry in Plattsburgh.

"There are no bands allowed. I just want regular people with regular talents," Gillespie said.

CAMPING

The fair is also open to 125 campsites, which according to Gillespie, will be well secured.

"We have the Sheriff Department on the grounds as well as patrols by the State Police," he said. "We also have security staying alert and keeping it safe."

The price of camping is $168 for the week, which includes full hookups.

Those wishing to camp should contact the Clinton County Fair offices, 561-7998.

COMMUNITY ORIENTED

According to Gillespie, the goal of the fair is to help and support the Clinton County community.

"We're a nonprofit group, and all the money we receive goes back to the community."

The fair will also be holding can drives for the local Food Shelf.

Gillespie said he appreciates that he has the full backing of the Fair Board of Directors' members.

PRICES

Along with giving back to the people, Gillespie says, he tries to ensure the fair is economical for visitors.

Parking is free, while admission will be $2 on the opening day and $7 on every day after.

Children under 11 have free admission every day except Tuesday.

Gillespie says the $20 mega-pass, which includes free admission and free rides any one day of the fair, has become a popular graduation present.

LATER FAIR?

Though he believes the fair will be a success, Gillespie says he would like to make some changes in the future.

"I would rather move it to later in the summer, near September."

Gillespie believes the fair would be better later in the season, when crops are more grown.

"This has always been an agricultural fair. That's where its roots are, and that's the direction we're staying.