The opening of the fair was announced loudly by a parade of fire, police and rescue vehicles all running their sirens and horns coming through the gates. It was spectacular! Loretta Garrett, JD Townsend, Ed Overton and a whole lot of other folks put on a great show! From live music and fireworks Friday evening to gymnastics and more music, rides, raffles and of course horseshoe pitching on Saturday.

The Fair Committee and the P+R department had done an outstanding job of building 9 courts during the weeks before the fair. Complete with backboards, they announced that the courts will stay in the ground after the fair. The P+R department had also provided a tent and fans for the horseshoe pitchers, and we thanked them many times for thinking of that. Pat and I were very concerned about the pitchers and the heat. During the day, we monitored the people, and if they looked like the heat was getting to them, we coaxed them to settle down in front of the fan until they cooled off a bit.

29 individuals signed up to pitch, with the flights established as they signed in. Three flights of 6 man round robin started the day shortly after 10am. By 1:00 the second flight started. Around 3:00 pm the championship class was formed. The sweat on all of the flight winners was evident.

Lenwood Conner from South Hill went undefeated all day, winning all 10 of his games, including the Championship. Congrats Lenwood!!

Earning the title of Runner-Up Champion was a challenge for Herman Harper. During the last round of championship play, Michael Conner beat Herman Harper, and forced a 3 way tie for the position.

In those final play off rounds Herman and Don had an extremely close game right down to the last shoe. With the score at 20-20, on the last throw, one of Don’s shoes rung the pole only to spin off. He had two points. But, when his turn came, Herman pulled one last ringer out of his bag to win the game ! The rubber match between Michael and Herman was the last match of the day, with Herman taking the runner up title. An exciting finish for the day! We look forward to meeting up with these new pitchers again, and look forward to James City County’s fair again next year !!

Flight winners were: Michael Conner, Donnie Snowden, Lenwood Conner Sr, Herman Harper and Don Masters.

Tournament Champion: Lenwood Conner Sr Tournament Runner-Up: Herman Harper