SIDNEY — For Boy Scout Troop 97, the hotter the better.

The Scouts sell and deliver ice to food vendors and others throughout the fairgrounds during the Shelby County Fair. Tuesday, they were doing a lot of business as the temperature approached 90 degrees.

Chuck Craynon, who’s been involved in scouting many years, was busy Tuesday driving the delivery vehicle. As he and two helpers returned to the Scouts’ concession booth to pick up yet another load of ice, he predicted they’d sell about 200 bags before the end of operations that day. Craynon said the fair started out busy for the Scouts, and there’s been little letup. They sold 190 bags Sunday and 110 Monday.

Boy Scouts have been at the fair at least 50 years, said Craynon, who’s been working with Troop 97 for 17 years. Besides selling ice, they sell water and other refreshments at their building near the grandstands. Profits from the operation help fund activities such as camp and other outings. He said the Scouts have conducted the ice-delivery operation about 10 years.

“Some days are busier than most,” said Cindy Biddle, a Scout mom who was working at the concession building Tuesday. What’s going in the grandstands affects sales.

As for the hot weather, Biddle said the Scouts were pleased when they saw the forecast. “We were so excited when we saw it was only going to rain one day,” she said. “It’s just a win/win for everybody.”

“We appreciate everyone’s support,” Biddle said.

Troop 97 is sponsored by St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Sidney. Tom Frantz is scoutmaster.