Unfair weather floods portions of fairgrounds
With a large crowd already gathered on what is typically the busiest night of the Putnam County Fair, a deluge began at the fairgrounds around 6 p.m. Thursday night.
What initially looked to be a relatively small cell stuck around, with the pouring rain continuing until around 7 p.m., flooding lower lying portions of the fairgrounds and those where quick drainage was not readily available.
The area most notably affected was the outdoor arena, scheduled site of the annual cheerleading competition.
With water covering the central floor of the arena, organizers decided to move the competition to the South Putnam High School gym, but not before most of the crowd from a multi-county area had paid admission to the fair.
Also left with standing water was the drainage ditch on the west side of the main parking area. More than one vehicle parked in low spots had water up to the doors before the rain stopped.
As the rain continued, fairgoers were left scrambling for cover, higher ground or both.
One big event seemingly unaffected by the gully washer was the Supreme Showmanship contest. Having already completed the horse portion of the round robin Thursday afternoon, the six contestants continued with the remaining five animals -- beef, dairy, goats, sheep and swine -- as scheduled under the roof of the indoor arena.
For some of those left outside, the night wasn't a total washout. The makeshift wading pool made for inexpensive entertainment just steps from soaked carnival rides.
Even after the rain subsided, relief did not come quickly, as Sheriff Scott Stockton reported the waters were receding "very slowly."
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