Fair time brings fun times to Cleveland County

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent

'the Beast' throws riders up in the air, hanging upside down over the weekend at The Cleveland County Fair. Chuck Thompson | Shelby Independent

The Dyer family, Jonathan and Amanda and their two sons, take in all the sites, rides, and smells from the Fair this past weekend. Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent

The Cleveland County Fair, the largest county fair in North Carolina, came back to town Sept. 25 and will continue until Oct. 5. Maybe you’ve already been once, or twice, and maybe you’re planning on going, but regardless if you have already been or not, it still has that rural down-home feel, with many familiar rides, games and booths to enjoy.

At Dorton Exhibit Hall, there were plenty of contests, other displays, political booths and showcases. From knitting, to flowers, art, photography, horticulture, honeybees, commercial ads and clubs, there's a lot to see right as you walk in the main gate and hang a right into the exhibition hall.

The knitting display at the fair.

NC State Trooper Justin Garner stood next to a 1964 Ford Galaxy North Carolina Highway patrol cruiser that was once in service. Trooper Garner was there to greet people and answer any questions about the car, or career opportunities with the Highway Patrol.

Fairgoers were also out and about, taking in the scenes and riding rides.

NC State Trooper Justin Garner stands next to a 1964 Ford Galaxy that was once in service with the Highway Patrol. Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent

“This is our first time at the fair as a family, and for me, the first time in a decade,” said Jonathan Dyer as he stood in front of the ferris wheel with his wife and children. “It brings back a strange nostalgia.”

The lines for the rides were long and the lines for the food were even longer in some places, but that didn’t bother the animals in the agriculture portion of the fairgrounds.

A llama at the fair looked at me with its mouth open like I was a snack.

HEE-HAW! It's the Cleveland County Fair!

While the pig races were absent this year, cows were showcased and judged, and chickens, goats, camels, llamas and much more welcomed people as they walked through the barn.

A camel said hello and posed for a photo.

“We’re having a great time at the fair,’ said Brandon Bridges. Eating great food and seeing friends at the fair is what it’s all about.”

Brandon and Madison Bridges take a photo with Shelby at the Fair on Sunday. Submitted photo

Back inside the exhibit hall the Democrat and Republican booths were kept at a friendly but fair distance apart from one another, as candidates and local party members greeted fairgoers as they walked though the hall.

Democrat representatives were on hand to talk to people as they passed through the hall. The Shelby Independent attempted to take photos of the booth, but were instructed we would receive controlled photos via email.The Shelby Independent decided to willfully accept their terms as not to sway readers by omitting one side over the other; as it is our mission to be fair, especially at the Fair.

Navy veteran Bobby Littlejohn and lawyer and engineer, Laura Cummings are long-time volunteers and leaders in their precincts.  Submitted photo

The CCDP booth did not want to comment to The Shelby Independent at the time, but the CCDP Communications Team reached out via email to state, “Thus far, we are learning in our booth that the number one topic that most concerns local citizens is affordable healthcare, followed closely by immigration, good jobs / good pay, and gun safety.”

Ronnie Grigg and Danny Blanton

At the Republican booth, N.C. House Candidate for the 110^th District, Caroline Eason was there, talking with fairgoers, along with Cleveland County Commissioner candidate Josh Biddix.

“We’ve had a great afternoon here at the fair,” said Biddix. “I’ve been nonstop meeting constituents and shaking hands. I’ve seen folks I haven’t seen in years, and it’s been good to hear concerns and praise from the community on the status of Cleveland County.  I walked over and spoke to the Democrat booth earlier, good conversations there as well.  Great day here at the Cleveland County Fair.”

NC House candidate Caroline Eason and County Commissioner candidate Josh Biddix at the GOP booth over the weekend. Chuck Thompson | Shelby Independent

“It is a blast connecting with so many fairgoers that stop by the booth, especially when encouraging young conservatives to engage in politics!” Eason said. “Today has also been a day of learning – namely what people in my district need from a house representative. I hope to amplify their voices if elected as the next N.C. House member.”

The N.C. Forest Service was also on hand, answering questions and handing out information.

Samuel Gordon, Assistant County Ranger, said, "We're here to prevent wildfires, help land owners manage their timber and educate the public on what we do."

The N.C. Forest Service booth at the fair, manned by Samuel Gordon is educating the public on an array of issues.

From the demolition derby on Saturday, to a church service on Sunday, honeybees (see previous story on bees), concerts, K9 shows, carnival exclusives and the old fashion rides, The Cleveland County Fair has already been a fun family outing, and the public still has until Oct 5 to enjoy all the fun.

The towering icon that rises above the trees, the Ferris Wheel at the Cleveland County Fair.

Follow The Shelby Independent on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. To contact Chuck about a story idea, send an email or visit the contact page.

Chuck Thompson is a reporter for The Shelby Independent.