From the over 13,000 people that attended Youth for Tomorrow's 27th Annual Country Fair & Auction on Sat., Oct. 5, the event can be labeled a success.
According to the organization, it was their largest attendance to date.
Proceeds from the event, which are being calculated, will support the youth home in Bristow.
Past the smells from food vendors and the cry of a live auctioneer, many families made their way towards the north side of campus, where the landscape was dotted with a myriad of giant inflatable slides resembling mythical monsters. Beside them stood Rapunzel like wall climbs and carnival rides that circled, swirled and tipped.
Twelve-year old Danielle Picone of Leesburg was hanging out with her friend Ariel Gick, deciding what to do next. They had already braved most of the rides.
“We rode the bull,” said Picone. “We went on the (human) circle, and we went on the big purple shoe tube.”
Both girls agreed that riding the mechanical bull was their favorite.
For boys, perhaps the car racing simulators were the number one attraction.
Grant Jorjani,12, who came all the way from Corbin, Kentucky to attend the Country Fair, said he enjoyed the Toyota racing game, but he prefers his Xbox version better.
However, Jorjani's aunt secured him VIP tickets to meet Joe Gibbs, receive his autograph, and thank him for the work he has done with Youth For Tomorrow.
While young people enjoyed the rides and amusements, elementary-age children, lined up for slides, and danced to the latest hip-hop moves at the boot camp challenge with their moms and dads in tow.
For the youngest fair-goers, the Country Fair offered a number of fun activities for young children, including a petting zoo.
“She loves animals,” said Breck Taylor, about her two- year-old daughter, Lilly, who was busy petting the longhaired lamb.
Robert Kaczamarczyk and Dawn Cassady from Manassas said their three girls enjoyed the rides, food and petting zoo.
“It’s really good for the kids,” said Kaczamarczyk.
In the live auction tent, bidders were helping to raise big money for Youth For Tomorrow. A vintage Colt Revolver from the 1970s sold for $1200 and a four-day Orlando vacation sold for $5500.
There was also a silent auction that included great toys, furniture, and signed athletic Jerseys.
Local and national vendors participated, including Bristow Commons, Virginia Gateway, Ohana Animal Hospital, Macy’s, NASCAR, Toyota, Paul Mitchell Schools, and Clyde’s Restaurant.
Although the skies eventually darkened and the wind started to blow, the weather ultimately held out, helping to make the day a successful and fun fundraising event for Youth For Tomorrow.
Support Bristow Beat - Donate Today!