THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2011
6 – THE CITIZENS’ VOICE
AFTERMATH // FLOODWATERS TAKE DOWN FAIR
Board pulls the plug on Bloomsburg Fair By Rob Wheary Staff Writer
BLOOMSBURG — For the first time in its 157-year history, the Bloomsburg Fair is cancelled. Following a closed, 90-minute board meeting Wednesday meeting, f air of ficials announced the fair would be cancelled. The only other time the fair has been affected by the weather was in 1975 when Hurricane Eloise shortened fair week by two days, but never a cancellation. “After very careful consideration, the board has decided to not have the fair this year. We appreciate all of the support that was given us and hope to come back with a great fair in 2012. Thank you for your understanding,” the announcement read on the fair’s Facebook page at 8 p.m. Wednesday evening. Fair president Paul Reichart did not return calls for comment Wednesday evening. Clarification has yet to come on refunds for pre-purchased tickets for grandstand events including Cheap Trick, Kenny Rogers, Jeff Dunham, Staind, the demolition derby and tractor pull. The move comes one week after Bloomsburg was hit with some of the worst flooding it’s ever seen. The Susquehanna River crestedat 32.75 feet, the highest in history, beating the previous level at 32.70 feet in 1904. The PressEnterprise reported that some parts of the fairgrounds were covered in 10 to 12 feet of water after the storms last week. Reaction Comments from followers of the Bloomsburg Fair’s Facebook page ranged from inquiries about how to get refunds for pre-purchased tickets to praise for the fair directors’ decision to cancel this year’s fair. “People need to realize, too, that it is not just about the fairgrounds, it also relates to the entire town, and there is way too much damage in that Volume 33, Issue 353 September 15, 2011
town, right close to the fair grounds, to have all these unneeded outsiders going through, rubber-necking,” posted one Facebook user. Some felt bad for vendors that count on the eight-day event for income and fundraising, and lamented on their favorite stands not being there. “So long, Betty’s Blueberry Muffins,” one wrote. Another said, “Very sad for all of the
vendors who count on this income. Another tremendous loss as a result of this flooding.” The majority of comments were from sympathetic people, understanding the decision considering the damage and devastation around them. “We will all miss this year’s fair. The decision though was totally understandable. Let the fairgrounds along with the surrounding areas rebuild
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Fair history The fair began in 1855 when Dr. John Taggart convinced residents that Columbia County would benefit from a agricultural fair. There were a few exhibits of fruits and grains, and demonstrations of
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acres at the west end of Bloomsburg for $200 an acre, $100 to be paid April 1, 1859, and $200 dollars each year thereafter. As an alternative, Barton offered to lease the same lot for $10 per acre per year for one to 10 years. When the treasurer reported that the total financial status of the society amounted to $300, it was voted to accept the offer of C. Barton and Co. to lease 10 acres for 10 years.
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farn equipment, along with one-entrant horse race, which the winner received the first premium prize awarded in its history, $2. The fair moved from oneday exhibition at its start to eight days in 1989. The tradition of Fair Week starting the third Monday after Labor Day began in 1930. In December 1858, a committee reported that C. Barton and Co. had offered 10 or 11
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and we will all look forward to a much more enjoyable 2012! Our prayers are with the flood victims and their families,” stated another.
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