Bi2-Lancaslsr Fanning, Saturday, August 12, 2000 New Fairground, New Volunteers in the Reading Fairground exhibit area (in the 4-H center) hold up the first-place entries Monday. From left, Linda Ernst holds the winner of the Hershey’s Greatest Cocoa Cake Contest baked by Kim Miccicke, Bernville; June Schuler with the greatest cocoa cookie, brownie and bars contest winner, exhibited by Chuck Hertzog, Birdsboro; and Helen Readinger with the apple pie contest winner, exhibited by Kim Miccicke. Sheep showmanship champion Amanda Miller 15, daughter of Ron and Joan Miller, Bernville, holds one of the “first” champion trophies at the new Reading Fair ground on County Welfare Road new Leesport. A bridge connects the Berks 4-H Center with the new Reading Fairground. Finally .. . it’s done! Volunteers Monday were busy fin ishing the new fairground up to the last second. So were the exhibitors, who caught some shut-eye. Cody Miller, 6, son of Todd and Martha Miller, Hamburg, enjoys some time off from the fair. Traditions For Reading Fairgoers The Cookery the longtime Reading Fair tradition returns to the new fairground near Leesport. Home-cooking specialities are offered by the Granges. Virginville Grange members Dorothy Bechtel and Esther Stitzel ready the stand Monday. ' \ 1 , , ml i i - This banner in the new exhibit area provides a great big “thanks” for the gift of the new fairgrounds exhibits from the Berks County Building and Construction Trades Council. Located on more than 60 acres, the new Reading Fairgrounds is a testament to the large amounts of time and money donated by the public. This sign, on the new bridge connecting the fairgrounds to the 4-H center, was placed to re mind those who cross of the efforts of an entire community. At a cost of about $3 million (mostly in donations), the new Reading Fairground near Leesport hosts two pole barns on a side connected to a show ring. Each barn measures 125 by 60 feet. Dick Campbell, chairman of the wine display, holds one of 42 bottles by eight exhibitors before judging Mon day at the new Reading Fairground. Photo Collage By Andy Andrews