‘Like A Tropical Storm’

‘Like A Tropical Storm’ Winds Down Trees, Power Lines In City

A strong storm whipped through downtown Lexington Friday night, downing numerous trees and power lines, damaging homes and cars and leaving large swaths of Rockbridge County without power through the weekend.

According to the National Weather Service, the storms produced powerful straightlines winds of up to 60 mph, quarter-sized hail and frequent lightning.

Fallen trees damaged at least two homes downtown, one on West McDowell Street and one just half a mile away on Catalpa Place, according to Lexington Fire Chief Ty Dickerson. A house on Borden Road was damaged when fierce winds ripped off the home’s metal roofing.

Dickerson said no one was hurt, but several neighborhoods around Lexington took a heavy beating.

“The residential areas were hit pretty hard, the whole south and west portion of the city,” Dickerson said.

A tree fell across South Main Street near Oak Grove Cemetery, smashing the windows out of a truck parked outside White Rhino MMA & BJJ. Luckily, no one was inside the vehicle, according to an instructor. Police blocked off the street Friday night and tried to divert onlookers away from downed power lines.

Lexington Prescription Center owner Jeff Goldstein said he was driving down South Main Street when he heard the tree snap behind him.

All featured entertainment will be held indoors, rain or shine. Limited bleacher seating will be available, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs for comfortable seating.

Agriculture And Community Traditions While the carnival lights may draw visitors to the fair, agriculture remains at the heart of the fair.

The 4-H/FFA livestock shows and agricultural exhibits highlight the hard work of local youth, while the Expo, hosted by the Rockbridge County Homesteaders, showcases the creativity and talents found throughout the community.

Poultry and livestock will be on display throughout the fair, giving visitors an opportunity to see the animals and learn more about the agricultural traditions that are an important part of our region.

The Poultry Show, located in the Reel Arena/East Complex, will showcase local exhibitors and their birds, highlighting the care, skill and dedication that go into raising poultry.

Quilts And Toys

The Quilt Show will showcase the work of area quilters, giving visitors a chance to admire the craftsmanship, creativity and time that go into each quilt.

The Toy Show, hosted by the Rockbridge County High School FFA, will offer visitors an opportunity to see a collection of farm toys.

Saturday Farmers Market Saturday morning will bring another community favorite to the fairgrounds with the farmers market, open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The market, a collaboration of all the local area markets, provides an opportunity to support local growers, producers and makers while enjoying another part of the fair before the final day gets underway.

Saturday Family Fun

Saturday brings several opportunities for fairgoers to get in on the action. The pedal pull gives young fairgoers a chance to put their strength and determination to the test in a fun tractor-pulling competition.

The Redneck Olympics, organized by the Rockbridge County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, will bring plenty of laughs and friendly competition with a series of farm-themed challenges.

And, of course, the alwayspopular Critter Scramble will bring plenty of excitement and laughter to the fair.

Park, Donate And Win Admission to the fair remains free. Fairgoers are invited to make a suggested $5 free-will parking donation, but the donation is not required.

Those who make the suggested donation will also have a chance to win a Blackstone Griddle, donated by the Rockbridge Farmers Co-op. Each $5 donation provides one entry into the drawing.

“Come out, make some memories and enjoy the stars, the stripes and the carnival lights,” said a fair spokesperson.