With over a half-a-million visitors, the York Fair closes its gates until next year.

  Many new acts were brought to the fair grandstand and radio stage. Acts included: a

timber show where lumberjacks show off their skills cutting wood, pig racing, and [an] exotic petting zoo.

  Grandstand acts included alternative band Halestorm, country acts Florida Georgia Line and Alan Jackson, and pop artist, Austin Mahone, pop artist performed. In attendance at the Florida Georgia Line concert was Biology teacher Lauren Jernstrom.

  “Oh my gosh, the concert was awesome. It was an extremely hot night, but other than that, Florida Georgia Line did an

outstanding job,” said Jernstrom.

  As for the WGTY country radio stage, acts included, Kristy Lee Cook and Lauren Alaina, as well as Love and Theft.

  Everyone enjoys seeing the acts put on as well as riding rides provided by Deggeller Attractions; however, when the fair started out in 1765, it was an agricultural market, featuring livestock according to York Fair website. Each year during the fair livestock is brought in to be showcased, such as chickens, goats, pigs, and cows.

 Sophomore Dani Mentliks family shows off their cows.

  “There were a good many people at the fair, but I enjoyed it,” said Mentliks. “My steer won first place in both classes, and I got supreme showman of the competition.”

  Crowds packed the York Fair primarily everyday it was open from 11:00 a.m. to approximately 11:00 p.m. This year’s fair is the 247th addition, and many changes were made this year including the UTZ arena, which was known as the Toyota Arena. One such change was the UTZ Arena, known as the Animal Birthing Center, where newborns are placed for crowds to see.

  “I got to help Mrs. Linda [head of 4-H] to deliver a lamb, and it was really exciting, and a great experience, even though I helped deliver cattle

before,” said Mentlik.

  Planning is already underway for next year’s fair. Next year the fair will run, September 5 thru September 14, 2014.