The fair is coming! The fair is coming! I can remember as a small kid growing up in rural Wayne County the excitement and anticipation that my younger brother and I experienced as time approached for the Wayne County Fair. Other than Christmas, it was the most exciting time of the year for us.

It is almost time for the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair, and I suspect that there are many kids in this county who are getting just as excited as did my brother and I. I doubt that very many kids read this column, so let me share some information about the upcoming fair that should be of interest to adults.

The Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair will be held at the Robeson County Fairgrounds from October 1 through October 9. The Board of Directors of the Robeson County Fair work hard each year to provide the largest and most exciting single event in the county. Realizing the economic conditions in the county, they also work very hard to make the county fair as affordable as possible for everyone.

The Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair will continue to offer free admission to the fair for several special days. Tuesday and Wednesday are school days, and over 60,000 free tickets have been distributed to all children in public schools, private schools, home schools, and day care centers in Robeson and all adjoining counties. So parents, be sure your children get one of these tickets and allow them to attend the fair on one of these nights when they can get in free. These tickets also include a discount coupon for unlimited rides.

Senior Citizens Day will be held on Wednesday. All senior citizens will be provided free admission into the fair beginning at 2 p.m. which is 2 hours before the gates open to the public. Special activities and entertainment will be provided. These visitors will have time to view the exhibits and look around the fairgrounds before the grounds get crowded.

Realizing that there are special groups of kids in the area, such as those living in orphanages and group homes who may not have the opportunity to attend the fair at all, special arrangements have been made to provide free admission for these groups on Monday night. Arrangements must be made in advance with fair officials.

Tuesday is Handicapped Day at the Fair. Many handicapped youth and adults may not be able to afford to go to the fair. If they do go during normal operating hours, they may not be able to enjoy the fair because of the large crowds. So the fairgrounds and appropriate rides will be open for all special groups from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Tuesday. In the past, over 5,000 people with special needs have visited the fair on this day.

Advanced tickets are the best deal for parents to save money while allowing their children the opportunity to really enjoy the fair. Advance tickets sell for $15 each and include gate admission, unlimited rides, and an assortment of coupons for free foods and beverages. Advance tickets are available at the State Employees Credit Unions and many convenience stores around the county.

Discount coupons have been mailed to all Lumbee River EMC and Lumbee Bank customers, providing discount gate admission and discount unlimited rides. Pepsi Cola is placing discount coupons for gate admission on all of their products in grocery stores and convenience stores throughout the region.

As you can see, by taking advantage of these special offers, the county fair is more affordable than a movie or many other forms of entertainment. I encourage you to take advantage of these many opportunities to save money as you plan your visit to your county fair.

The fair is coming. I am already getting excited. What about you?

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 9/30/04