Sea Lion Splash returns

Debbie Schwarz Simpson
Register-Herald Reporter

August 06, 2008 10:13 pm

— FAIRLEA — Sea Lion Splash, a free show which drew standing room only crowds at the State Fair of West Virginia last year, is making a return appearance at the 2008 exposition.
With a waterfall, foliage and rocks as a background and with two pools to allow multi-views of the sea lions in action, the performers do a medley of tricks in and out of the water, dance with their trainer and throw a kiss or two to the audience.
When the 30 minute show is over, the sea lions pose for photographs with the fair-goers, bask in the sun or take a nap or two.
According to Marco Peters, owner and trainer of Squalus Inc., Sea Lion Splash is the only sea lion show in America.
Sea Lion Splash will join several other free attractions on the commerical midway.
Young and old will be entertained by the antics of Mr. Pedalsworth, aka Brett Marshall, as he rides around the fairground on one of many of the bicycles he has created.
Mr. Pedalsworth has traveled world-wide showing off his bicycles, some of which he made from steel and rubber. He is adept at comedy, tricks and stunts, all of which will enhance his performances at the State Fair.
The Wide World of Animals attraction is described as fast-paced and full of energy.
Reptiles, birds, anthropods, amphibians and mammals are part of the show. The audience will learn some interesting facts about animals and will get a chuckle or two from their antics on stage.
There will be plenty to do under a tent which will house both Brad Matchett and the Farmer for a Day activities.
Matchett will present the Educational Agricultural Show with the informal, quick paced presentation designed as fun for the entire family.
He will use facts from the Mountain State, including milk production and the average age of a West Virginia farmer, in his program presentation.
The Farmer for a Day activity has become a regular event at the State Fair.
Youngsters will be able to take a trip down on the farm as they milk a cow, collect a dozen eggs and pick a peck of apples.
Fairgoers who attend the Dock Dog show will see a unique sport. The dogs, which can be of any size of type, will jump from a dock (or platform) into a pool of water.
The winners are judged by the height or distance of the jump and the dogs must be at least six-months-old.
The State Fair of West Virginia, with ‘‘West Virginia’s Biggest Garden Party’’ as its theme, is slated for Friday through Saturday, Aug. 8-16.