Officials with the Scioto County Fair are reporting attendance numbers are up compared to last year. For the first two days of the 2011 fair, 12,430 paid admission into the fairgrounds.

Darren Gahm of the Scioto County Fair Board is not surprised by the increased attendance. He attributes much of it to the weather.

“The weather has been kind to us over the past couple of days. People are starting to take advantage of what we have to offer,” Gahm said.

On Monday, 4,603 people paid admission to the fair. Attendance was 7,827 on Tuesday.

In 2010, 5,428 people paid admission to the fair on Monday and 6,457 on Tuesday, for a two-day total of 11,885.

Thus far, 2011 attendance levels are up by 545 admissions.

“We only look for this trend to continue. With the good weather we are expected to get the rest of the week, we hope many more people will come check us out,” Gahm said.

Thursday’s entertainment will be the Circus Continental with shows at 2 and 8 p.m.

On Friday, Crystal Gayle will take the stage at 8 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service, Thursday’s high is expected to hit 81 degrees and on Friday the high should reach be 84. Rain is not forecast either day.

General admission to the fair is $8 and includes grandstand entertainment and rides.

WAYNE ALLEN may be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 208, or wallen@heartlandpublications.com.