08/19/08: Appalachian Fair Yields 38,578 Opening Night

The 82nd annual Appalachian Fair opened its gates to a big crowd Monday.
Fair Manager Richard Shadden said 38,578 people passed through the fair opening night.
Last year approximately 147,000 people attended the fair. Organizers are calling for 165,000 to attend this year.
Twenty-five young women from across the Tri-Cities region participated in the “Fairest of the Fair” contest. Limestone, TN’s Elizabeth Bernard was crowned the 2008 winner.
“Thrills, Squeals, and Ferris Wheels” is the theme for the 2008 Appalachian Fair.
Tricities.com reporter Nicki Mayo talks with Shadden about the fair’s theme and highlights