ARLINGTON — Leanne Davis wasn’t sure the Trafton Fair was happening this year.

Then she walked out to the end of her driveway.

“(My children) saw it being set up and asked about it,” Davis said. “They always have fun coming here — they love the prizes.”

Davis’ sentiment was not uncommon during the 56th annual Trafton Fair on Saturday, Sept. 25, on the grounds of the now-closed Trafton Elementary School.

Organizers estimated that approximately 250 community members attended this year’s fair, which as usual included a variety of children’s games and activities, despite the fact that the school closed in June.

“This was for the children and their parents,” said Kelly Roundy, fair organizer. “Some of them are struggling. The parents are just as excited as their children because it gives them a chance to reconnect for the first time in a while.”

Although the actual school building remained closed, Trafton’s play field, covered play shed and surrounding areas were used by volunteers to hold traditional fair games and prepare food for attendees.

Residents who showed up were greeted with temperatures in the high-70s and bright blue skies above.

“She’s happy today,” Roundy said, referring to the school building. “I call Trafton a ‘she.’ It was raining yesterday and I wasn’t sure how it was going to go today, but we were happy with how the weather turned out.”

Volunteer Jennie Wilder Cowen said that she felt blessed that the sun came out during the early fall event.

“God smiled on us with this great weather,” she said.

Trafton parent Garry Hufstetler sat on a hay bail as he watched his 8-year-old daughter, Amaya, pick up baby chickens and bring them over to her dad.

Hufstetler, who was among those parents who opposed the Arlington School Board closing Trafton School, said that it felt good to be back at the school after the building closed.

“Hopefully they can continue to use the property in the future,” Hufstetler said. “It would be great if they could turn it back into a school someday.”

As she watched her 3-year-old son Ethan stand in line for miniature golf, Tanya Morris said that she remembered when she went to Trafton years ago.

“We come here every year,” Morris said. “The building brings back a lot of memories. It’s still a happy place. I’m glad that they decided to keep doing (the fair).”

Roundy said that the proceeds from this year’s fair will go toward not only next year’s fair, but the upcoming Trunk or Treat event in October.

“But for today, it’s the smiles and kids,” Roundy said. “I’m excited about it and would love to have the entire community embrace it.”