Cumberland County’s Fair: County Tradition — Awesome Fun

I’ve heard people say that Cumberland County should not be in the coliseum and event business. Yes, I agree. However, I have also heard some say that Cumberland County should not be in the county fair business. Are you kidding me?

This, is an absurd notion. Actually, it is the kind of event our county should support, nurture and actively involve itself in. The Cumberland County Fair has been in successful existence serving our community for more than 50 years. And, this year’s theme “A Family Heritage” spoke volumes of the tradition, hospitality and economic vitality the Cumberland County agricultural community contributes to our quality of life. Ahhhh! The sights, sounds and smells of this year’s fair will remain with me for a long time.

I have no idea how many people attended this year’s 11-day event but, I will bet that Fair Manager Hubert Bullard and Fair President Lynn Tollett and their dozens of community volunteers will post record numbers. People came from all over the Cape Fear Region to participate in this traditional annual celebration and recognition of the products grown and produced by our local agricultural community. My guess would be that many of the people attending the fair didn’t even know we have an agricultural community.

I write about this only because our Coliseum Complex is in transition. This is a good thing. A new private-management firm is slated to take over shortly with a plan to revitalize the Crown Complex into a valuable community asset so it can better serve the entire community. This task is very doable and I think the Coliseum Board has made an excellent choice in the Philadelphia-based Global Spectrum Company. However, a word of caution is appropriate here. In this transition, as in many past Cumberland County transactions and transitions, we undoubtedly will have people scrambling behind the scenes and standing in the shadows ready to wield power, influence and trump up expertise in hopes of directing and influencing the decision of this new company. And for what? Personal gain. It seems to be in Cumberland County’s DNA. It is my hope that the powers that be will not let this happen and the best and most current example just may be the controversy over our Cumberland County Fair. Here we have a documented North Carolina State Champion AAA Fair, a nationally acclaimed and recognized Champion of Champions Fair and, most recently, a national 2012 Premier Agricultural Fair.

The Cumberland County Fair has a long tradition and a rightful place in our community. It is a unique community asset that should be treasured and preserved and its future should not be dictated by people who cannot distinguish a parking lot carnival from a certified, licensed agricultural fair.

Again, many thanks and kudos to Ms.Tollett and her loyal volunteers; Hubert Bullard for his leadership and perseverance and to the tens of thousands of men, women and children who came to experience the fun and excitement of our own agricultural fair midway. See ya next year!