By Karissa Minn
kminn@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — Just two more days remain for the 60th Rowan County Agricultural and Industrial Fair, but there’s still time for plenty of fun and entertainment.
As in years past, NoJoe’s Clown Circus amuses audiences each night at the fair. But this year, the group performs a new circus adventure for people of all ages to enjoy.
Joey and Tyler Thurmond, a father and son clown team, perform as NoJoe and Toot. They dance, juggle, wire-walk and goof off to giggles and guffaws.
“NoJoe is awesome,” said Michael Rattz, of Salisbury, after Thursday’s first show. “We came to see him last year … and they were great again.”
Another Salisbury resident, Beth Stebe, agreed. She was there with her 7-year-old son, Christian, and her 14-year-old daughter, Heather.
“This is our first year seeing NoJoe, and he was just spectacular,” Stebe said. “The other performers were just wonderful, too. We’ll definitely come back next year.”
Stebe’s daughter said she was impressed by “Miss Jamie” Thurmond, who performed acrobatic feats on a swinging ladder.
At one point during her act, “Miss Jamie” hangs upside-down 30 feet off the ground, smiling broadly at the applauding crowd.
Then comes a balancing act as Hernan Colonia performs handstands on top of two, then three, four and five stacked chairs.
Finally, most fairgoers get to see a thrill act on the “Wheel of Adventure” at the colorful clown circus, but it wasn’t ready for Thursday night’s first show due to rainy weather.
The rain did clear in time for visitors to stay dry Thursday night.
“This was so much fun, and I’m glad the weather broke and we were able to come out tonight,” said Rattz’s wife, Cheri.
Their children, 8-year-old Patrick and 6-year-old Lillian, couldn’t seem to decide on their favorite part of the show. Lillian named all the performers in the circus, while Patrick settled on “all of it.”
Both the Stebe and Rattz families said they also liked exploring the rest of the fair, including the exhibits, animals, rides, games and food.
Tonight at the county fair, the Demolition Derby starts at 8 p.m.
In addition, a Health Systems Cooking Show will be held at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. both today and Saturday, as well as 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday.
The county fairgrounds are located between Interstate 85 and Old Concord Road on Julian Road.
The fair, which began Monday, will be open today from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 11:30 p.m., when the fair ends.
Rides begin operation at 5 p.m. today and 1 p.m. Saturday. The exhibit and livestock buildings will open at 4 p.m. and close at 7 p.m.
For more information, visit www.rowancountyfair.org or call 704-633-5632.