Earlier this week, I attended the Board of Directors meeting for the county fair. From what I heard, it appears that anyone visiting the fair this year will be pleasantly surprised at the many changes they will see.

First of all, it is no longer the Robeson County Fair. The name has been changed to the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair. The fair will operate for nine big days instead of six days as in past years. It will be held a week later, October 3-11, instead of starting the last few days of September.

Our county fair has long been known as one of the best county agricultural fairs in North Carolina. It is also one of the larger county fairs in the state. From what I understand, it was almost necessary that these changes be made in order for our fair to continue growing and continue to provide carnival rides, entertainment, and events that people in this area have come to expect.

Large carnivals that can provide forty or more modern rides along with carnival games and attractions continue to face increasing costs associated with transporting their equipment from one location to another. They, like other businesses, must also deal with the problem of providing steady work in order to keep good employees. Since safety is a major concern for everyone, it now takes longer for inspectors to properly inspect carnival rides before they are allowed to operate, often taking longer than one day for large carnivals to do this.

All of the above factors make it more attractive for large carnivals to do businesses with fairs that operate more than one week, so they don't have to relocate so often. If our fair had not expanded to nine days, they may not have been able to attract a suitable carnival in the future.

The decision was made to change dates for the fair, because many of the major attractions and vendors that appear at county fairs try to arrange their schedule so they are as close as possible to major fairs such as the North Carolina State Fair. Holding our fair the week before the state fair will entice more quality vendors and attractions to be here. Then, they will be just a short drive and a few days away from the state fair.

In addition to these changes, I saw what is happening on the fairgrounds to get ready for a bigger and better county fair. Fences are being moved to make a larger midway area. Since few of the surrounding counties have a county fair, it is anticipated that by going to a regional concept many people will be attracted from adjoining counties. Enlarging the midway will provide the space needed to accommodate more and bigger carnival rides and a greater assortment of entertainment and attractions for more people.

Additional land has been purchased just north of the fairgrounds for additional parking. Those attending the fair will find it much easier to get into parking lots and find good parking places. In addition, they will not have to walk so far to a ticket gate.

New lighting has been installed throughout the fairgrounds. Increased lighting will make it easier for people to find their way around the grounds and will create a safer environment for those visiting the fair.

Both of the large exhibit halls on the fairgrounds have been insulated to make it more comfortable for those attending the fair and for those with booths inside the buildings. In addition, new lights have been installed in both buildings to make them brighter and more attractive.

I learned that there are quite a few new attractions planned for the fair this year, and several additional events will be provided because of the expanded days. The first Saturday will feature a full day of horse shows along with a variety of horse activities such as clinics, exhibits, and displays. Anyone with an interest in horses can attend one of the largest horse shows in the region as well as a county fair for one low price.

The taxidermy exhibit will return to the county fair this year. This was one of the most popular exhibits on the fairgrounds, and now it will be even bigger than before.

A daredevil entertainment event will be provided as free entertainment three times each day. This event will include the popular globe of death where motorcyclists ride at race track speeds inside a huge steel globe.

Gospel on the grounds will be provided on Sunday afternoon, featuring some of the great gospel groups in the region. Everyone is encouraged to come to the fairgrounds following church for some good gospel music. Bring your church bulletin, because it will get you a discount at the gate and a period of free carnival rides.

Advance tickets will be available again this year, along with a lot of special coupons for free or reduced admission and reduced ride prices. Make plans now to purchase advance tickets and save yourself a lot of money.

Fair handbooks which lists the schedule for the fair and details about all the events and entertainment is now available at the Extension Center. Stop by O. P. Owens Agriculture Center (Highway 72 West, Lumberton) and pick up you personal copy. Also, check out their web page at www.robesoncountyfair.com.

I will share additional information with you as I learn more about what is being planned for the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair. If you have any questions or need more information, please give me a call.

E-mail address: Everett_Davis@ncsu.edu

Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 2280
Lumberton, NC 28359-2280

Phone: 910-671-3276
Fax: 910-671-6278

Date Created 8/29/03