|
STREET ADDRESS Robeson County 455 Caton Rd O.P. Owens Agriculture Center Lumberton, NC 28360 (910) 671-3276 Phone (910) 671-6278 Fax Map & Mailing Information Recent Tweets Tonight at 6 pm: [more] teams with #NCSU researchers to investigate germs in students' lunch boxes | [more] |
On September 11, 2001, just four weeks before the county fair, terrorist struck our nation causing destruction, chaos, and the loss of life for thousands of Americans in several of our major cities. This year, on the weekend of August 26, just four weeks before the fair is to begin, Hurricane Katrina caused destruction, chaos, and loss of life for countless Americans along our Gulf Coast. When disasters like this happen, we often question whether events, such as county fairs, races, or football games, should be held. Should these events be canceled because bad things have happened? As Americans, we are resilient. When bad things happen, we bounce back. As Americans, we have earned our freedom, and we enjoy this freedom. We are devoted to our families, our work, and our religions, but we also cherish our freedom to participate in leisurely pastimes as well. When we choose to participate in leisurely pastimes, we are well aware that these choices do not lessen our responsibility for our fellow Americans. We continue to have passion for the losses that others have suffered, and we continue to share our money, time, and prayers as we do our part to help deal with these disasters. America is a wonderful nation. A nation that for more than 225 years has blended together races from around the world, every religion imaginable, and the skills and intellect of those who wish to live here in order to create a society that is the envy of the free world. Today, as generations before us have done, we take time during the difficulties of life to enjoy the freedoms and pleasures that we have fought so hard to develop. During the American Revolution, our forefathers gathered to sing, socialize, and celebrate the founding of a new nation. During the war between the states, our relatives gathered around campfires to fiddle and dance. During the world wars that this nation has been involved in, we have sent our very best to entertain our family members as they served their nation on foreign soils. Maybe that is why America is so great. It is large enough to spread its resources to where they are needed the most. It is diverse enough to compensate for a variety of challenges. It is experienced enough to know what to do and then do it, even if obstacles get in the way. Maybe that is what makes Americans so great. We face the difficulties of life more as a challenge than as a setback. We fix what needs to be fixed, but we never succumb to allowing these difficulties to interfere with the freedoms we have fought so hard to develop. Even during times of difficulty, people need experiences that reinforce to them that life does go on. They need the opportunity to participate in events that add pleasure to their lives, to help compensate for the difficult times. They need the opportunity to relax, to enjoy, and to recharge for whatever the future may bring. So the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair will go on as planned, providing an affordable opportunity for people to relax and to enjoy themselves. Many of those participating in the fair this year have already indicated that their activities will be focused on Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. The major affect from Hurricane Katrina that did not result from the 911 disaster is the high cost of gasoline. Today, unlike in 2001, it is too expensive for many families to travel for vacations or for other relaxation time away from home. The county fair provides an opportunity for families to enjoy a large variety of entertainment, the carnival atmosphere, and all the fun associated with a county fair within a very short driving distance from home. Recognizing that many people in Robeson and surrounding counties are on a limited or fixed income, the Board of Directors of the county fair have done everything they can to keep the cost of attending the fair just as low as possible. Gate admission is only $5, less than the cost to attend a movie. All school children in the six-county area will be allowed into the fairgrounds free with school tickets on Tuesday and Wednesday. Senior Citizens are provided a free day at the fair on Wednesday. Several local businesses, such as Pepsi and Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation, are providing discount coupons for admission. The best buy available for parents is to purchase advance tickets for their children. Advance tickets are available at the State Employees Credit Unions, many convenience stores around the county, Robeson County Government, the City of Lumberton, and many of the major industries in the county. The advance ticket package has a value of $30, but the cost is only $15. Advance tickets include admission, unlimited carnival rides, parking, all entertainment, and an assortment of valuable coupons. The county fair is coming. Relax, take a break, enjoy yourself, and take a kid to the county fair. In the meantime, do something to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Mailing Address:
Phone: 910-671-3276
Date Created 9/25/05 |
The 
E-mail address: