The 2002 Mower County Fair ends today and according to the fair board, it's been a good one.

Joel Nelson, community relations and marketing manager for the fair board, said attendance figures tell the story.

The 2002 county fair's opening day attracted 9,600 spectators last Tuesday, 12,000 on Wednesday and 13,000 on Thursday, Nelson said.

With the largest crowds expected this weekend, the final three-day attendance figures could double the three-day numbers.

"Those figures are only from the parking gates and the east or main gate along 12th Street," Nelson said. "We don't count the people at the west walk-in gate or the south walk-in gate from the Sacred Heart Care Center auxiliary parking lot."

Those estimates could be even greater than the actual number of people on the fairgrounds at any given moment," Nelson said.

Sunday's final day of the county fair always brings out a good crowd. Two special events among a full day of activities help boost Sunday's attendance.

The Old-Time Fiddlers Contest, beginning 1 p.m. today on the Godfather's Pizza Fair Square stage, is one sure crowd-pleaser.

Also tempting the crowd is the annual Mower County ADA Cow Milking Contest.

Scheduled to begin 2 p.m. today in front of the ADA's milk stand at the center of the fairgrounds, sponsors hope to attract candidates for the Mower County Sheriff's race: Terese Amazi, Todd Clennon and Michael Cherney, plus a "mystery" contestant.

Lee Bonorden can be reached at 434-2232 or by e-mail at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com