Go-karting and more at the Clyde Fair

Want to go?
WHAT: Clyde Fair
WHEN: 5 p.m.-midnight Friday, Sept. 21, 8 a.m.-midnight Saturday, Sept. 22 & 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23
WHERE: Downtown Clyde
COST: Free
INFO: clydeohio.org

Folks looking for one last summertime hurrah, a hopefully warm-weather soiree where the ubiquitous sound of squealing kids on carnival rides can be heard over the roar of go-karts, are in luck. The Clyde Fair takes place Sept. 21 through 23 around the downtown area.



“This is the 26th year, and the reason we do it is for the community,” said Clyde Fair Publicity Chair Linda Black. “It’s for people to get together and have a good time. This year, just like last year, we’re having the Flags of Honor. I think they’re going to try to put up over 600 flags this year to recognize the servicemen who were killed in action from Ohio.”
 


While the flags offer fairgoers a more solemn, patriotic moment, there are plenty of other scheduled events aimed at carefree fun. One of the big staples of the Clyde Fair is the go-kart races, which take place on the city streets.
 


“We’ve been hosting the go-kart races for over 20 years,” Black said. “It’s very popular. They take 20 cars, I think, in each class, and the winners get nice trophies. We have a lot of people who really look forward to it and just come out to watch. We even have drivers that come from Michigan and Indiana to race. They all own their own go-karts.”
 


In addition to rides and games, the three-day event boasts free entertainment, pageants galore, a 5K run, massive parade, bingo, a children’s tractor pull and a car show. Black said a fair wouldn’t be a fair without plenty of tasty food. This year’s offerings range from pork tenderloins and cabbage and noodles to shaved ice, corn dogs, mozzarella sticks and more.
 


Music-wise, a DJ will be pumping out the tunes in the beer tent in the evenings, while Sunset Country plays on Sept. 21 and Rick K and The Allnighters on Sept. 22. 
 


Black said attending the Clyde Fair is tantamount to turning back the clock to a time gone by with fun events such as a baby contest and bathtub races.
 


“It’s very laid back,” said Black, who has called Clyde home for more than 33 years. “You get a lot of people who just walk uptown and look around and just enjoy different things we have going on. And if they get tired, they go home and maybe will come back later. So it’s just a very easy atmosphere.”
 


Then there’s the popular karaoke stage. Naturally folks will be trying their best to imitate Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, Neil Diamond and other popular singers. With this in mind, will Black be taking the karaoke microphone to show off her talents?


 
“I will not,” Black laughed. “There are a lot of people who do it though. They enjoy it but I won’t be up there singing, no.”
 


The Clyde Fair takes place Sept. 21 through 23 around downtown Clyde. For more information, visit clydeohio.org.