WOODSTOCK — This year, veterans and active-duty military personnel will get free admission to the Shenandoah County Fair on its designated veterans day.

Originally, they would have been admitted for half-price, $3, on Aug. 27.

"We had an individual who came forward and wanted to underwrite the cost of all the veterans and active-duty [personnel]," fair manager Marcy McCann said Wednesday. "She wants to remain anonymous."

The Woodstock Lions Club and Powhatan Ruritans are also helping to fund the initiative, she said.

While Oliver North, who had been on the slate for veterans day activities, won't be able to make it, Buck and Bill Pattillo, who were on the Air Force's flight demonstration team that started in 1953 and became the Thunderbirds, will be there, McCann said.

A Blackhawk helicopter will land on the infield around 9 or 9:30 a.m., and will be at the fair all day, she said.

For more fair information, visit www.shencofair.com.

Daily Staff Report