GREEN COVE SPRINGS – While thousands were either screaming in delight aboard one of the many rides or munching on a corn dog or funnel cake, Tasha Hyder was patrolling the Clay County Fairgrounds with her cellphone in hand, making calls and taking notes.

She observed every detail at the Clay County Agricultural Fair. Was space used wisely? Were patrons happy? Was there any litter? Was everyone having a good time?

As the Executive Director of the Fair, the 11-day affair allows little time for play. It’s work. Hard work. And no detail was too small or unimportant.

“You know, when you run a fair, you've got to have some fun with it,” she said. “It's not all business and phone calls. There's some time for Ferris wheels and funnel cakes too.”

Halfway into the Fair, Hyder said attendance was slightly better than the last two record years. Tuesday’s pesky spritz wasn’t hard enough to keep people off the rides, but it did affect the overall count.

“The good is we've had absolutely no traffic,” Hyder said. “We've had lots of families out here smiling, having a great time. The ugly thing is we've had two days of rain when we're in a serious drought. But I guess that could be positive, too, whichever way you want to look at it. I think the optimist would say that yesterday [Tuesday] was perfect if you wanted to go on the rides without long lines.”

According to the National Weather Service, there is little chance of rain for the final three days – Friday through Sunday. Better yet, temperatures are forecasted to be in the mid-70s.”

“On the positive side, we're looking forward to a beautiful ending weekend,” Hyder said.

After Thursday night’s wildly successful Demolition Derby and Mustache and Beard contest, the Fair will close with a fried Oreo-eating and Clay County Star Search competitions on Friday; dirt track and flat-track motorcycle races and celebrity and antique shows on Saturday; and lawn mower races on Sunday.

Traffic moved smoothly along State Road 16 as the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, along with its PSAs and Explorers, directed fairgoers into the main gate, and pointed them to the exit onto Springbank Road. With the added access points created by the First Coast Expressway and Cathedral Oak Parkway, it was easier to get into and away from the fairgrounds, Hyder said.

“That makes us happy,” she said. “Every year we try to improve the fair. We’re always making tweaks, giving everyone something different to come and see.”

Hyder said the final three days will be busy … and fun.

“Just keep coming out and wear sunscreen this weekend,” she said. “If you don't visit us this weekend, it will be 365 days before you see us again.”

For the full schedule, hours and tickets, visit claycountyfair.org.