LAKEPORT – Barty Bartlett, the beloved, world-renowned mascot of the Lake County Fair, has been spotted several times around Lake County and has put in daily appearances at the annual fair, which began Thursday and wraps up on Sunday.

Barty, as the character is known, retired after the 2004 Lake County Fair, saying he was worn out and needed a rest. His return this year was unexpected, as repeated calls to him over the years have gone unanswered.

“I heard he was back,” said fair board president Janeane Bogner, “ but I haven’t seen him. People told me he was around this summer.”

“I think Barty went on one of those reality makeover shows on television,” said fair CEO Richard Persons, adding, “he’s got a new wardrobe, and he looks younger. I think he’s been hanging out at a fancy spa lately, getting rejuvenated. He looks like he might have had a little work done, a nip or tuck here and there. But you didn’t hear that from me.”

Barty Bartlett first began appearing at the Lake County Fair around 1990, and put in 15 years as the event’s mascot before announcing his retirement after the 2004 fair.

Over the years, Barty rode all the rides, ate all the foods, visited all the buildings, watched all the shows, and was kissed by all the Miss Lake County’s. In an effort to stay fresh and succulent, he even took up inline skating one year, zipping back and forth throughout the fair.

Barty Bartlett is known to love parades, and has participated in dozens of them all over Lake County. He was in this year's annual Lake County Fair parade down Lakeport’s Main Street on Thursday, Sept. 3, and took part in the ribbon cutting to open the event.

“You never know where he’ll show up,” said Persons. “He wanders the fairgrounds, greeting young and old alike. He loves getting his picture taken with fairgoers. Sometimes he’s in the carnival. Sometimes in the grandstands. And I’ve seen him at the junior livestock auction, although I think he’s afraid of getting sold or eaten. After all, he is a ripe and juicy Lake County pear.”

Along with Barty Bartlett, fairgoers can expect appearances by Chaz the Juggling Unicyclist; Ken Garr, Magician to the Crowds; Mickey the Clown; and Billy DeWaal, also known as William Wayne, who has been delighting generations of fairgoers with his variety of acts since 1948.

Regular admission prices for the fair are $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 through 11. Children under 6 years old are admitted free each day. Parking is $5 per car.

More fair information can be obtained on the Internet at www.lakecountyfair.com or by calling 707-263-6181.