RUTLAND, Vt. -
The Vermont State fairgrounds were buzzing Friday afternoon.
Drinks were stirred, fried dough confection sugar put in containers and those final nails hammered in.
But there was one thought on some vendor's minds, Tropical Storm Irene and how it hurt their business during last year's fair.
"It was slow," said Gary Pellistri Jr.
"Well it killed half the business," said Andrew Constint.
"We might get a spotty shower once in a while but it shouldn't be anything like last year," said Ann Clough.
Irene didn't cause the fair to shut down last year or do any real damage to the fairgrounds, but fair leaders say it's a big reason why 30,000 fewer people walked through the gates.
That's a lot of unsold hamburgers and coffee for Gary Pellistri and his family's stand.
He says they didn't make enough money to cover the $1,000 dollar stand fee.
"We really noticed a hit," said Pellistri.
State fair leaders say they're putting 2011 in the rear-view mirror.
"It makes it a little tough as far as capital improvements the following year," said Vermont State Fair President Richard Rivers.
It didn't stop them from bringing in the same free entertainment as years past.
Comforting news for some vendors who say they need a big bounce back after last year's disappointing fair.
"They'll be here this year, I have hope in that," said Constint.
For more information on the state fair, click here.
