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Just cruisin’ through
Fairgoers love the food, rides
ride himalaya
Elizabeth Duvall, left, and Christine Thompson ride the Himalaya at the Cumming Country Fair & Festival. - photo by Jim Dean
Forsyth County resident Charles Bond waited all year for the Cumming Country Fair & Festival. Thursday night his wait was over.

Bond brought his three sons, ages 7, 10 and 12, to the first night of his favorite annual event.

“They got a lot of chores done knowing they were going to be coming here,” he said.

Bond said he has come to the fair every year for the past six and his favorite part is the food.

“I plan on having one of everything that’s here,” he said.

While Bond may be a connoisseur of fair cuisine, others came for another reason.

Michell Smith brought her 5- and 1-year-old sons to the fair. She said they like “all the rides.”

“It’s fun for the kids,” the Northside Hospital-Forsyth employee said, adding that she tries to come every year.

While some fairgoers stopped for fried corn or pizza, others had their faces painted, ran into each other on bumper cars or tried their hand at winning a prize.

Vickery Middle School students Kathleen Eagar and Camille Allison waited in line for the Alpine Bobs ride, where they would rock side to side in their seats, circling at a speed fast enough to elevate them to a nearly 90-degree angle.

“We love the fair,” said Eagar.

“Our favorite things are the funnel cakes,” Allison said. “We like the spinning rides.”

Dave Horton, fairgrounds administrator, said about 10,400 people showed up Thursday night.

“It was a good crowd,” he said. “It went very well.”

Though rain was predicted through the weekend, Horton said he hoped it would hold off.

Those who haven’t already made it out to see the blinking lights, hear the booming music and take a ride on the Ferris wheel still have plenty of chances. The fair will be in town through Oct. 18.