Bus demolition part of offerings at fair this year

BY JESSIE BURCHETTE
SALISBURY POST

The Rowan County Fair will go for big laughs and some big crunches when it opens Sept. 18.

The fair will be adding a cow dress-up contest and school bus demolition derby.

Fair Manager Eric Ennis announced plans for the two new events.

The mention of the dress-up competition drew prolonged laughter. Ennis said the intent will be to have some fun.

The big crunch event will pit five fire departments in the school bus demolition derby. Ennis said it will be a “first in the state of North Carolina.” He cited extensive research, saying some other states hold the school bus derby and draw a big crowd.

Liberty, South Salisbury, Bostian Heights, Cleveland and Ellis Crossroads departments will compete in the event to be held on on the opening night of the fair at 8 p.m. Ennis did not elaborate on how the contest works.

Ennis said the winner will get some nice prizes and an automatic chance to defend their title at the 2001 fair, which will be the 50th anniversary of the Rowan Agricultural Fair. “It’s been a tremendous success in other states,” said Ennis, adding, “ We will have a little fun.”

The fair will also have its traditional Friday night demolition event, a popular feature.

Also new this year will be a “volcano spectacular.”

While outlining events at the upcoming fair, Ennis hinted that the Fair Association is tuning up for a really big fair next year. He recognized dozens of people attending the dinner meeting, thanking them for their work and support over the years.

The veteran manager talked about the reasons for having an fair and pointed out that they are not all about rides.

“Youth is one of our primary objectives. Rides are secondary. You have to have them, but that is not our main objective. We’re dedicated to the education of kids.”

He talked about the special morning sessions where kindergarten children are invited to the fairgrounds and described the expressions on their faces when they first see a cow being milked.

“Until then, they think milk comes from Food Lion or Winn Dixie,” said Ennis.

He recognized the winners of the Fair Associations Scholarship. Andy VonCanon, son of Marvin and Jane VonCanon,, and Megan Davis, daughter of Scott and Vernell Davis. Both are seniors at South Rowan High School. The association gave VonCanon $1,000 and Davis $500. Both also won additional $1,000 scholarships from the N.C. Association of Agriculture Fairs.