It’s common knowledge the curtain came down Sunday at the latest Clay County Agricultural Fair.
During the 11-day spectacle, various concerns wafted through the air like unwelcome pollen. Almost daily, folks who were haunted by the Strawberry Fest delays asked about parking and traffic at the fairgrounds.
Some attendees said it was too humid for a couple days; too cool and damp another day. Would-be consumers wondered why specific foods, drinks and/or rides were "so expensive."
What isn't common knowledge: Despite visitors’ questions and apprehension, the fair proved successful by several measures.
While attending this month’s county fair no fewer than five times, I witnessed plenty of smiles and heard ample laughter throughout the spectacle. None of the families or revelers complained, “It isn’t crowded enough.”
Early Florida Village alone was a pleasant picture of old-fashioned amusement and relaxation.
But don’t take my word for it. Anybody would rather hear from Tasha Hyder, the Clay County Fair’s executive director. And hear from her, I did.
“Our attendance numbers were down, but we also had some factors we couldn't control that played into that,” Hyder said, referencing Mother Nature. “Our opening weekend was a scorcher; our first Sunday that normally sees record-breaking attendance, we saw near-record heat.”
What’s more, the following Friday – which was Star Search and Livestock Sale night – the dark skies opened during peak hours and dampened the occasion.
Regardless, this was overall Hyder’s assessment, by the numbers: “We measure our County Fair success on metrics that matter,” she said. “We raised over $700K in the youth livestock auction that goes directly to the kids. We gave out $50K in scholarships. We raised over $20K for local non-profit groups. Donated eight tons of canned goods to OP Food Pantry, and two pallets full of items to Clay County Animal Services and Clay Education Foundation. We donated over 400 bales of hay to local farm rescue groups.”
For good measure, she added, the Demolition Derby and Tractor Pulls were sold out.
As is the case at any event or venue involving sales and public consumption, it’s all relative. Some vendors were disappointed, while others couldn’t keep up. After all, there were thousands of attendees and hundreds of vendors.
“If a few are unhappy, that’s ok,” Hyder said. “At the end of the 11 days, we had a great fair. It was safe, people had fun – and hey, no major traffic problems.”
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Word to the wise and friendly reminder: If you want an announcement or press release published, please send to jim@claytodayonline.com. If you want it published and/or uploaded in a timely manner, it’s best to email it well in advance of your event’s date.
It stands to reason: If Clay Today receives a request only a day or two before going to press, it is less likely to be published on time. Deadline for such announcements is Monday – possibly Tuesday morning, when I’m feeling generous – any given week.
As Tom Cruise’s title character said in Jerry Maguire: Help me help you.
