Kudos to the organizers of the 31st annual Franklin-Southampton County Fair.

You did a great job of hosting the three-day event in Courtland, which included one of its largest crowds ever when 5,000 to 6,000 attended Friday night for the Colt Ford concert.

Even with Saturday’s midday rain, which continued into the evening, it was still a fun event. The number of entrants in the Tiny Tot Contest tripled over last year, the midway featured more rides and the Cornhole Tournament had more than 20 teams in social and competitive divisions.

The building with commercial exhibits was full, and it seemed more people entered vegetables, flowers, quilts, canned items, baked goods, crafts and photographs in the various competitions. In doing so, it gave fair visitors more to see.

The ATV Challenge was a hit. Hosted by Team Deep and Wet from Goldsboro, N.C., a portion of the challenge involved club members racing through a 100-foot long, 3-foot deep mud hole. Some members also gave fairgoers free rides through the mud, including 2011 Fair Queen Meg Sharp.

In all, it’s believed 10,000 to 12,000 attended the fair over its three days. Hats off to all of those involved.