Strike up the band because the Cleveland County Fair is hitting the century mark of operation this year.
The centennial show will open the gates at its traditional location, 1751 E. Marion St., in Shelby on Thursday, Sept. 26 and will be providing fun, food, agricultural displays, music, and mechanical merriment until closing day on Sunday, Oct. 6.
The first fair was held in 1924, with 70,000 people in attendance. What's interesting is the population of Cleveland County in 1920 was just around 50,000 folks, proving the fair was drawing fans from the entire region. Attendance last year was 120,000 folks with about 130,000 expected this year depending on the weather. It's the largest county fair in North Carolina.
The idea for a fair to celebrate Cleveland County's rich agricultural tradition and to give people a chance to mingle and kick up their heels was hatched in 1923. That's when the Shelby Kiwanis Club developed a plan to create a county-wide fair combining the Boiling Springs, Fallston, and Union community fairs into one event. Through the sales of $20 shares of stock, $15,000 was raised to establish the Cleveland County Fair.
To run the fair, organizers named Shelby veterinarian J.S. Dorton manager. Dorton held the post for 38 years. His accomplishments included overseeing construction of the grandstand, racetrack and livestock barn with exhibit halls - all in the short span of six months.
The fair's current manager is Bobby Jenks. He's been on the job for 12 years. Jenks shared his thoughts on what the fair means to Cleveland County and beyond.
"People from surrounding counties attend this fair every year," said Jenks. "While here they support local businesses and organizations.
Vendors travel from all over the country to work at this fair. While here they purchase food, supplies, and materials to upgrade equipment.
Recently the athletics department at Cleveland Community College has started charging for parking on the college campus and the money is used to support the athletic programs at the college. Over the years other organizations like the Cleveland County Cattlemen's Association have had booths to fundraise as well.
Probably, the most important thing is kids competing in showmanship categories. While participating in these events they learn about the animals as well as many life lessons like responsibility and hard work. My granddaughter, Kelsey Beam is very excited to enter her first painting in the participation category in the exhibit hall. The anticipation and excitement are unmatched. The fair is a 100-year tradition where family and friends gather to eat, ride, view the animals, exhibits, attractions, and enjoy entertainment. Cleveland County is fortunate to have an event of this caliber, and many people have sacrificed to get the fair to the 100-year mark."
It takes a dedicated crew, many of whom work year-round, to put on the fair. According to Jenks, about 200 folks are fair employees. Fair office workers Mot Davis and Savannah Pothier shared their thoughts on the event.
"I've been coming to the fair since childhood," Davis said. "It's a great event."
Pothier is amazed the fair has been around so long.
"It's interesting and crazy that it's been that long," she said.
Jenks' daughter and fair board member Angela Beam knows putting it on every year 'takes a village'.
"It is a pleasure to serve on the Cleveland County Fair Board," she said. "I appreciate the numerous people involved in making this event successful in order to continue the tradition of the largest county fair in NC. It would not be possible without all our stakeholders and sponsors."
The fairgrounds have been spruced up for the event.
"We've built new bathrooms and remodeled existing bathrooms," said Jenks. "We also have a new fire department, sealcoated the asphalt on the grounds, installed new fencing around the fairgrounds, and painted multiple buildings. Last year lighting and water lines were upgraded."
So, what can people expect to experience and enjoy at the event? A wide variety of food for one thing. The tantalizing aromas waft over the fairgrounds beckoning hungry fairgoers. The fair is known for its traditional foods like turkey legs, barbecue, funnel cakes, vinegar fries, ham biscuits and cotton candy, as well as new foods like giant pork chops on a stick and deep-fried candy bars.
Ready for rides and games of skill? The fair will have over 50 rides and booths. Reithoffer Shows will be providing the amusements again this year. Mild to wild, the rides are better than ever, and the huge Ferris wheel is always a hit.
Other things to see at the fair include mechanized amusement like the demolition derby, dirt bikes, and tractor pulls.
Of course, agriculture is a big part of the fair with over 75 exhibitors. Folks from far and wide bring their sheep, goats, cows, chickens, turkeys, horses, and other livestock to see and be seen. School groups, churches, civic organizations, and other entities proudly display science projects, crafts, art, plants, home grown vegetables, canned foods, cakes, pies etc. etc. in a stunning variety of exhibits.
There will also be plenty of toe-tapping music shows in a variety of styles and genres.
Overall, this year's Cleveland County Fair looks to be not only bigger and better than ever but anticipating a bright future over the next 100 years.
Jenks looks at the fair's legacy this way
"What is the future of the fair?" he said. "The county is supportive, and we are appreciative of their help getting the facilities upgraded. I think the Cleveland County Fair will continue its success well into the future. Hopefully future generations will find this fair even more prosperous."
For more information on this year's fair visit https://clevelandcountyfair.com/.