Loudoun County’s Fair: A good time was had by all

Neither scorching heat nor sudden downpours could keep the young 4-H contests and enthusiastic crowds from enjoying this year’s Loudoun County Fair. From Tuesday, July 26, through Sunday, the 30^th, the 4-H Fairgrounds on Leesburg’s Dry Mill Road also welcomed barnyard animals and alligators, demolition derby drivers and bull riders, llamas and alpacas, milking cows and pigs for capturing and kissing. And what would the fair be without the watermelon and pie eating contests?

This year, fairgoers were treated to music sets featuring David Andrew Smith, Ainsley Costello, Luke Whittaker, and Kyle Lambdin. 

The events not to miss were of the homegrown kind, featuring young 4-H members showing the animals they have raised this year for both fun and profit as Damewood Auctioneers sold them to the highest bidders. The roster of other performers included horse drill teams and rabbits that gave hopping demonstrations and good-naturedly joined in dress up competitions.

Little ones who’ve yet to get farm animals to call their own were treated to the “Touch a Tractor” equipment event, a firefighters’ program, and the boisterous Pig Scramble. Kids grouped by age—5 and 6, 7 and 8, 9 and 10—took to the main ring with two squealing and very fast pigs. The challenge: to catch a pig first. The winner’s prize: $20 or a pig.

Four Loudoun Fair & Associates 4-H members were awarded considerably larger amounts—scholarships from $1,000 to $2,500. This year’s recipients are: 

Amelia Abbe, a Loudoun Valley High School graduate who was awarded the 2022 Loudoun Fair & Associates of $2,500. She has been an active member of 4-H for nine years in the Rabbit and Cavy Club. Amelia was inducted as a Virginia 4-H All Star—the highest recognition a 4-Her can achieve.

Eleni Kasianides, a home school graduate who received a scholarship of $2,000. She has been an active 4-H member for eight years, focusing on Rabbit Breeding and Rabbit Hopping projects. Eleni has served on the 4-H Honor Council where she has been an integral teen leader since 2019. 

 Mandy Bramhall, a Woodgrove High School graduate who was awarded a $1,500 scholarship. She has been a 4-H member for 10 years. Currently, she is enrolled in the Beef and Canterlopes clubs. During her 4-H career, Mandy has mentored many younger 4-H youth and has served as president of the Beef and Swine clubs.

 Sadie Cooper, who is a graduate of Loudoun Valley High School and the Academies of Loudoun, received a Loudoun Fair & Associates scholarship in the amount of $1,000. Sadie has been an active 4-H member for 10 years. Participating in multiple livestock clubs, including Poultry, Sheep, and Goat, she has served in various officer roles and served as a Poultry mentor guiding younger 4-Hers as they learn about their projects. 

Loudoun Fair & Associates, a 501(c)3, all-volunteer, non-profit organization, produces the annual Loudoun County Fair and manages the 26-acre fairgrounds property which includes show pavilions, barns, and meeting space that 4-H clubs and community groups use throughout the year. The fair is made possible by the generous contributions and sponsorships of area businesses, organizations, and individuals.