On Monday evening, the sun was setting and the doors of the buildings at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds were closing. Lights were starting to go out at the carnival. Things were winding down as the 2010 Mariposa County Fair came to a very successful close.

The fair’s four-day run was graced with great weather, big crowds and relatively few problems. Lester Bridges, a member of the fair’s board of directors, told the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors that the attendance was up.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve seen that many people at the fairgrounds,” Bridges said of the Saturday night crowd. Officials were forced to close a couple of the parking lots because they were full.

Bridges also said he noticed a number of people who came to Mariposa specifically for the fair. “We’re seeing people travel to Mariposa, not just through Mariposa,” he said. “Hopefully that will continue.”

Mariposa County Sheriff Brian Muller echoed that sentiment. “It’s amazing how many people from outside Mariposa County came,” he said. “They recognize this is a family event, a safe fair. The word has gotten out that we have something very special,” the sheriff concluded.

Muller thanked his staff and the many volunteers who manned the fair. “They did a fabulous job,” he said.

Supervisor Janet Bibby thanked the sheriff. “Our fair is safe because of the community and your department,” she said.

Board Chairman Kevin Cann said the sheriff’s customer service shines through at events like the fair. “There is no doubt your guys were there, ready to act. It’s a real testament to your department that people volunteer their time.”

The sheriff said his office could not focus on the fair if it weren’t for the efforts of the local California Highway Patrol office. “They are there all weekend, backing our staff, allowing us to focus on the fair,” Muller said.

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