‘The Best Fayette County Fair in Years’

After the 47th annual Fayette County Fair closed, attendees were effusive in their praise. All over the county, comments such as, ‘They’re on the right track now. This is getting to be a first-class show,’ were heard. Fair Association President R.J. (Dick) Edwards estimated more than 30,000 people attended the four-day event. An exact headcount was impossible because when a huge crowd was waiting to enter the grounds on Saturday night, the decision was made to simply throw open the gates to let the throng enter. Fairgoers showed their appreciation for the new and improved facilities like the German-Czech Mart and county exhibit hall, and the antique show, horse show, tractor pull, youth rodeo, cattle program, etc. The professional vaudeville acts also were rated as quality entertainment. Hats off to all the dedicated volunteers who made it possible.

The Pampered Pet Parade, held for the first time in connection with the fair on Saturday, brought out 21 dogs, a couple of cats, a goat, a (deodorized) skunk and several bikes. The most unusual awards went to Kristen Cunningham and her goat – first and Michelle Melcher and her red hen – second. The bestdecorated bike prizes went to Kelly Greene – first and Mary Fry – second. In the cat category, Marsha Loehr and her Black Persian won first and Michelle Ball and her Siamese took second. First and second places among the large dogs went to Joan Wetjen. The bestdecorated pet and owner was David Cunningham.

The Spirit of ‘76 entered into the quilt auction at the fair. Nine quilts made by county Home Demonstration clubs were auctioned Sunday, with the proceeds earmarked for the County Bi-Centennial Committee. When a total of $1,770 was raised, the fair association chipped in another $6.

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Vorn-sand from Weimar drove a spiffy Model T Ford in the Fayette County Fair parade, earning the best-decorated prize. The parade of more than 100 entries took an hour to wind through downtown.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture was enforcing fire ant quarantine restrictions on the movement of certain agricultural articles in sections of Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina. The action was necessitated because of discoveries of imported fire ants in areas where they had not been found before. Restrictions were placed on articles such as soil and plants that could harbor fire ants. However, the spread was largely due to the natural habits of the ants that had mating flights, often covering distances from five to 13 miles.

Fayette County’s commissioners voted that in the future, any hay harvested by residents on county rights-of-way must be taken before county equipment shredded the ROWs.

According to Fayette County Sheriff T.J. Flournoy, thieves and hot check writers were keeping local lawmen busy. He noted that most of the burglars were looking for money and didn’t take much that could later be identified. Among those arrested during August was an AWOL soldier.

The second time around must have been the charm because La Grange’s Leopards showed marked improvement in their final pre-season scrimmage at Sealy on Friday night. The varsity charges were particularly impressive, rolling up 295 yards in 46 plays for a 6.4-yard average and scoring three touchdowns. Robert Poole scored on a pitchout, a play good for nine yards. Neal Miller passed to Gary Dippel for another – the pass and run totaling 70 yards. Gary showed good speed and finesse after he got the ball. The third payoff covered nine yards and came via an aerial from Johnny Johnson to Kenny Hatfield.

Rainfall during August 1974 posted a modern record of 7.85 inches. The sum for the final week alone came to 5.30 inches, with 4.47 of the total dropping in the 24-hour period ending at 7 a.m. Friday. Rainfall for the year totaled 26.51 inches. The average annual rainfall was 36.52 inches.

Funeral services were held for Mrs. Emilie Nitschke, 90, of La Grange and Mrs. Mary Sulak, 79, a Fayette County native.

Carmine Sportsman Club members Hank Crowsey, Nolan Schmidt and Hugh Pitts helped the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department release more than 100 wild turkey poults.

Mrs. Fritz Albrecht celebrated her 90th birthday on Sunday at her home on N. Franklin St. Her seven greatgrandchildren, Ken, John, George and Glenn Eilert, and Brenda, Marsha and Darrell Hunger, presented her with a pink carnation corsage at the celebration.

Betty Heintschel of La Grange received her associate of arts degree at the end of the second Blinn College summer term.

For more great stories, visit Elaine online at www. elainethomaswriter.com/blog/ or call her at (979) 263-5031.