Fair workers hope for fair weatherBy JAMES MCGINNIS
Bucks County Courier Times
In their spare time, some take up fishing, watercolor or Parcheesi.
Sage Werbock of Hulmeville lifts bowling balls with hooks attached to his nipples.
The Bensalem High School graduate with two-inch stainless steel bars lodged in his chest is poised to show off his talent at this weekend's Pennsylvania Fair. Werbock hardly stands out among the freaks and sideshow spectacles.
There's a six-legged cow. A four-horned sheep. A two-headed racoon. An earless goat. Racing pigs. A 1,000 pound porker. A 2,000-pound cow.
Midgets pace by the tent for the "world's smallest woman."
Sword swallower John "Red" Stuart of Philadelphia lowers a broadsword down his gullet. "I can go 18 to 20 inches down," he brags. "I learned this skill in 15 minutes."
Baby chicks are hatching in the farm show with the South Africa Watusi. But there's more to the show than just attractions.
Get a free Bible. Buy some cell phone accessories, candy and tattoos and check out the full line of Mitsubishi cars and trucks in one tent. The fair runs from through Memorial Day and fair managers hope forecasted rains don't dampen ticket sales, though they could consult one of their psychics.
Jodie Oliverio of Philadelphia paid $10 to have her fortune told. The gypsy said she looked single. She was married.
"That was a little insulting," Oliverio said.
"The psychic also said if I gave her another $10 she'd pray for my happiness and good fortune," Oliverio added. She passed on the offer, instead buying tickets for the Pharaoh's Fury ride.
New to the fair this year is the 121-foot-tall "Speed" spinner, though the meek of heart may settle for the funhouse, the tilt-a-whirl or even the "Slingshot."
Back in his tent, Werbock is hoping to give fairgoers as much of a chill, even mom is expected to come out.
"My mom will come to the show, but she won't watch," he said. "My dad likes it."
Werbock cautions that you need real training before attempting such stunts. "If you want to get into this business you have to keep pestering these guys to let you in and then wait on the right people to train you," he said. "You could get killed if you try some of these stunts without the right training."
Accidents do happen. Once he tore off a nipple while trying to lift an anvil. "It grew back in time. It healed," Werbock said. After all ... the show must go on.
For more information about the fair, visit
www.pennsylvaniafair.com.
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