Popular concessions keep patrons coming back for more at Lake County Fair

Jul. 25—Lake County Fair Concessions Manager Cindy Woodman describes the experience of enjoying the fair similar to a wheel with many spokes.

"Whether people come for the rides or the animals or the demolition derby or the displays or the food, there is something for everyone and it is almost impossible to find someone who can't find enjoyment at the Fair," Woodman said.

While one may not be more important than another, perhaps nobody at the Lake County Fair recognizes the importance of concessions and serving fresh, delicious food in a safe, clean environment more than Holy Stromboli owner and Concord Township resident Amy Avcin.

Avcin has been working concessions at the Lake County Fair for 44 years, starting with her parents Don and Glenda Mayse in 1980. She started when she was 8 years old and had her own stand in 1995 called Amy's Sausage Grill.

Avcin took over the Holy Stromboli trailer in 2011, occupying her familiar spot at the west end of the midway.

While there isn't as much foot traffic in that area as in others, Woodman said Avcin had no interest in moving when a spot in a more heavily traveled location opened up.

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"She said absolutely not, people know where to find us and the loyal customers come back and look for us every year," Woodman said.

While it starts with the appearance and taste and quality of food, Avcin said the popularity of Holy Stromboli extends to the personalities and politeness of the workers. She is very proud of the fact that their trailer has a flawless record with the Lake County General Health District for decades.

"If you ask around, we put out some of the best food and people come back for more, but having no violations with the health department since 1980 is something we are proud of and is important to our customers," Avcin said.

Not surprisingly, stromboli is the stand's best seller but cavatelli with meatballs and new garlic balls made of pizza dough quickly became hot items as well.

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Avcin said while rides and attractions and concessions are big draws, the 4-H members should be a focal point of the fair because of the hard work of the young men and women. In addition, she gives back and sponsors the kiddie tractor pulls at the Lake County Fair.

As far as the importance of the workers selling themselves and the business as much as the food, that is a top priority for Avcin.

"My theory is I can get someone's money once for a stromboli, but the goal is to get them to come back year after year," Avcin said. "We have an excellent relationship with our customers, and we serve good food in a clean environment and that keeps the people coming back for more."

Ada Couch, a worker at Bob's Fresh Lemonade, echoed the sentiments that workers making a connection with patrons passing by is equally important to the food or beverage being sold.

With multiple stands on the midway peddling lemonade, Couch makes an effort to set Bob's apart.

"Everyone who walks by I try to say hello to and tell them we have the best lemonade stand here," Couch said. "You have to show personality and be friendly and I think that goes a long way with people who have so many options to spend their money. Even if they don't stop initially, a lot of times you will see they come back a little later and usually they are laughing because they remember me."

Lake County Fair Board President Wade Crofoot said the importance of concessions to the success of the fair for all these years sometimes is simple as people want "fair food" — items they can't get anywhere else.

Variety is important as well to keep patrons satisfied, so while the staples like fries and elephant ears and sausage sandwiches and waffle cones remain popular, people will give input and suggestions for additional stands and bringing ones back that did not return from previous years.

But, in the end, Crofoot said of the nearly 100 concessions stand options, the familiar ones that turn up at the Lake County Fair annually are usually the ones patrons consider at the top of the list.

"The better ones seem to rise to the top," Crofoot said. "And it starts with the people selling the concessions. The ones here are always real friendly, and we have gotten no complaints."

Lake County Fair

This year's Lake County Fair runs through July 28 at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1301 Mentor Ave. in Painesville Township.

Gates open at 8 a.m. each day, and exhibit buildings and the midway open at noon each day, according to the fair website. Exhibit buildings close at 10 p.m. through Saturday and 9 p.m. on Sunday, while the midway closes at 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 p.m. on Sunday.

Aside from special promotions, general admission tickets cost $10 and are required for all attendees who are 3 or older.

Rides will open at noon every day.

Visit lakecountyfair.org for more information.