at 2002 State Fair opening
Bright blue ribbons and green clovers dominated the decor as the 2002 North Carolina State Fair opened on a brisk and sunny Friday morning. The Oct. 18 dedication ceremonies featured a special commemoration of 4-H’s centennial anniversary in the United States. Following the playing of the National Anthem by Raleigh’s Sanderson High School Band, Fair Manager Wesley Wyatt, state Agriculture Commissioner Meg Scott Phipps and North Carolina 4-H President Ben Jones led a ribbon cutting to officially open the 10-day festival of “Blue Ribbon Fun,” including educational exhibits, livestock shows, arts and crafts, midway rides and fun Fair food.
Joining them was a group of 4-H’ers from Phipps’ home, Alamance County. “Not only is Dorton Arena celebrating its 50th birthday,” Phipps said, “but 4-H is also celebrating a birthday — the organization’s 100th anniversary.” Phipps noted 4-H’s long association with the Fair and “the importance of the organization in shaping young lives.”
Phipps recognized State 4-H Leader Dr. Thearon McKinney and associate Shannon McCollum, then called upon the Alamance County 4-H’ers to join her in reciting the 4-H pledge.
Representing the state 4-H council, Jones, a senior at South Davidson High School, told his fellow 4-H’ers that the Fair is a place to make memories. Sharing Fair stories from his father’s 4-H years, he said, “My point is that every 4-H’er who participates in the Fair has his or her story to tell, stories that will last a lifetime. For me and my sister, it’s coming to the State Fair and seeing our great-grandfather’s picture in the Dairy Hall of Fame.
“The State Fair and 4-H,” Jones concluded, “that’s a blue ribbon partnership.”
Phipps cited the “winning combination” of diverse activities at the Fair — with something to appeal to all tastes. She particularly recommended some of the new midway rides, while cautioning fair goers to ride the Tango before eating.
Alamance County
4-H’ers Ryan Diggs of Williams High School and Nolan Cousineau
of Cummings High School, both of Burlington, were attending their first
N.C. State Fair. And both were heading toward the rides as their first
destination. “I’m excited to see everything,” said Cousineau.
“And first I’m taking Commissioner Phipps’ suggestion
to ride the Tango.”
—
Terri Leith
