BRUTUS -- Despite battling bleak weather and economic conditions for three straight days, Sunday's attendance was enough to reassure organizers that residents still love their Cayuga County Fair.

Nearly two months ago, fair director John Lester said he was afraid he needed to cut several events from the fair's schedule, but last minute sponsors helped save some programs.

While some cuts were avoided, the community's support also prompted the addition of more educational shows to meet public demands, Lester said. Those shows included a K9 demonstration by local law enforcement agencies as well as a 4-H talent and fashion show.

"If everyone chips in a little, we all grow together," Lester said. "A lady told me yesterday that to make something that really works, it takes the right ingredients. If you have all your ingredients, you have a better product. Our ingredients are our sponsors and the residents."

Ron Batsford, owner of Wood N Things, said he considered his business to be one of those ingredients.

"This is something we should all be doing," Batsford said, as he sat in a tent showcasing some of his stoves and wood pellets. "It shows how businesses sustain the community. The more people and the more businesses that come to the fair, the more it will grow ... We have 360 days of the year to sell our products -- so what is four days at the fair even if we don't sell anything?"

While rain diminished attendance on Thursday, Friday and part of Saturday, Lester said he was optimistic Sunday's weather would entice more visitors to come out for the fair's last day.

Lindsay Hilton, of Auburn, said she was one of those people and was excited to finally get out of the house with her 2-year-old daughter, Ali Hilyer.

As she watched Ali learn about making clothing from alpaca fur, Hilton said she believed the fair plays an important role within the community.

"I heard bits and pieces about the fair not happening, but it did; and they need to keep it next year," Hilton said. "Especially for the children because this is a family event. You get the kids out learning about different stuff."

While some children were visiting the fair to learn about agriculture, others were participating with the Cayuga County 4-H club to show of their skills in animal husbandry, crafts and other categories. The top children in each category earned a spot to go on and compete at the state fair.

With the fair offering so many resources and opportunities to the community, Lester promised it will be back next year.

"We have already begun thinking about changes for next year if they become necessary," Lester said. "But there will be a fair next year. We are constantly trying to be bigger and better."