Fairgoers enjoy new racing attraction

Jul. 30—ALTAMONT — A new attraction at the Effingham County Fair this year drew people of all ages.

When Henry Walker heard there would be a miniature racetrack with remote-controlled cars at the fair, the 10-year-old was super excited. He couldn't wait to get to the fair Monday, even arriving early so he could play it, having never tried anything like it before.

Walker was instantly hooked. He asked for more money to play again and again and again. He even got his grandfather and fair board president, Phil Hartke, who stopped to watch, in on the fun.

The two played several rounds, and Hartke quickly found himself addicted to the game.

"Once you get into it, it's hard to quit," admitted Hartke.

Walker won most of the rounds as the two cars raced around the track, sometimes head-to-head. Hartke did manage to get a win, though.

Walker is now a fan of the game.

"I think it's a really great addition to the fair, and they should add it at the next fair," he said.

Walker found the game easy to play, except for the steering.

"It's pretty easy, but the steering is very jumpy. It's almost too good steering," he said.

Brothers Michael and Neal Dennison of Shumway also found the steering a little tricky to get used to, with their cars turned around and racing in the opposite directions at times. But they liked the game after playing it for the first time.

"Very fun, but very hard," said 6-year-old Neal Dennison.

Father and son David and Henry Burrow of Altamont got the hang of it after their second day of play Monday. Victory Lane Car Racing debuted at the fair Sunday, and the two immediately liked it after trying it for the first time. Eight-year-old Henry is a NASCAR fan and likes watching it on TV, so they knew they had to try it. Henry Burrow liked the remote-control wheel and throttle.

"It's something new and different here at the fair," said his father, adding it's also something they can do together.

The two walked away after their time was up Monday, but they planned to play again later that day.

David Burrow hopes the racing game returns next year.

"It's a nice addition. It's something to do, and it's affordably priced — not crazy expensive. It's good value for the dollar," he said.

After Henry Walker also took a break from racing to move on to the next event, he looked forward to another fair attraction returning Tuesday.

"I'm really excited for the carnival. I like the Zipper a lot," he said.

Cathy Griffith can be reached at [email protected] or 618-510-9180.