Few people came to the Hamilton County Fair as prepared as Lily Lawson.
The 2-year-old, dressed in her best cowboy boots and bright red skirt, came from Cleveland, Tenn., with her parents, grandparents and cousins for pony rides, a petting zoo, musical acts and family fun.
Organizers hoped to attract more than 50,000 people and surpass the 2009 record of 41,000 visitors, said Mike Dunne, spokesman for the fair.
More than 156 vendors and exhibitors – 33 just for food – came to Chester Frost Park this year because “everyone likes the crowd and the venue,” Dunne said.
The newest addition, pony rides, attracted throngs children and slightly nervous-looking parents who watched nearby.