Photo by Travis Pratt Tomboy Tools skilled consultant Mindy Hanlon makes a sale at the Great Frederick Fair on Friday afternoon in Frederick.

The fair had been going well up to Friday, one day before its finale, said Becky Brashear, executive assistant to the fair. More than 18,000 exhibits and 200 commercial vendors were there this year.

A Friday afternoon deadline made it difficult to answer questions about an event still in progress, Brashear said.

"Most areas were at 2008 levels, if not increased," Brashear said. "Weather has cooperated even though rain on Tuesday was a bit of a damper."

First-time commercial exhibitors gave the 2009 event mixed reviews.

"It's been a little slower than we expected," said Mike Jewell, owner of Worley's Wonder Jewelry and Glass Cleaner. "And that's what we've been hearing from other folks."

Jewell hoped that Friday and Saturday would be busier. He attributed the slow pace to the generally depressed state of the economy.

Jewell had not made up his mind as to whether he would attend the 2010 fair, he said.

Being at the fair for the first time was a success for Hubbard Cabinetry in Thurmont , said Cheryl Hubbard.

"I would say yes, it's been worth being here," Hubbard said. "Our emphasis is a little different. We're not looking to selling products today. We just want to build our reputation, get our name out there, and we do have a couple of appointments."

First-timer Mindy Hanlon operates Tomboy Tools from her home. The pink tools are designed with women's smaller hands in mind, and the Denver-based company teaches them how to use the instruments.

Asked if the fair was a worthy investment, Hanlon said it was.

"Oh, yes, very much so. We've had a lot of women stop by who want to use tools properly."

An added benefit to being at the fair is it's fun, and the food is great, Hanlon said.

2009 was a second stint at the fair for Mr. Ed's Candy. The company returned because 2008 was so successful, Manager Denise Hoover said.

"But it's a little slow this year," Hoover said. "We started out good but midweek was slower. I guess that was due to the heat."

New on offer at the fair for 2009 was the Community Tent, which proved popular, Brashear said.

"Our community tent, with the Senior Fair and the two-day Focus Forward on Green expos went well, and we look to expand those in 2010," Brashear said.

Plans for 2010 are already under way.

"Obviously, an event of this magnitude takes more than a year to plan," Brashear said. "We work on themes and concepts at least a year, if not several years out."

Next year's theme, C-U-N2010 (see you in 2010), will piggyback on this year's R-U-N to Ag theme.

The fair is gearing up for its 150th anniversary, Brashear said.

Community involvement, the food, agriculture exhibits, entertainment, educational components, continue to make this Frederick 's single largest event, Brashear said.

"We can't thank our community enough for being involved with the fair and supporting this annual event," Brashear said. "One of the livestock judges from Ohio commented that this fair is as good as any state fair that he has attended or judged at across the country."