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Colors have been added to the fairground buildings, which used to be painted white.
The fairgrounds' recent facelift has included the addition of color to building exteriors.
Robert Copen paints a flag on the side of a building at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds. |
The new manager of the 270-year-old Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair has been wanting a facelift for the fairgrounds for years.
Ron Self, 57, has been infatuated by the fair--in general--since the 1950s when, as a boy, he worked year-round to make money to go to the event.
"This is part of my heritage," said Self, a fair board member, shareholder and volunteer. "Growing up in this area, the Fredericksburg Fair is in your blood."
In his early fair days, his father clutched his hand as he tried to break free and indulge in the festivities.
In recent years, the fair has suffered from fewer vendors and visitors.
Self, a King George resident, said vendor attendance has been falling short, partly due to a lack of maintenance at the grounds.
For that reason, he devotes after-work and weekend hours, nearly seven days a week, to planning and making improvements.
He can be seen during his free time, cart-cruising the grass and dirt landscape that has come to life, with kinetics and culture, for a week or so every summer, with some interruptions for wars and other events, since 1738.
This year it will run for 10 days, from July 25 to Aug. 3.
"I want it to be here for my grandchildren," Self said.
It's his goal to revitalize what is a 270-year tradition--the oldest fair in the nation.
Paint jobs and utility work are the most visible changes to the 32-acre lot. Buildings that were linoleum-white are now vibrant in color.
"It sounds interesting this year, there's a lot more going on," said George Washington Jr., 67, a lifetime Caroline resident and fair frequenter.
A promotion partnership with WFLS radio and seasonal programming at the site, such as a car show and animal auction this year, is now in place to raise money for upkeep and enhancement.
"It will help revenue for the fair and help to upgrade it," Self said. "I'd love to see a new building built here."
Fair patrons this year will see a Ferris wheel for the first time in 15 years, along with four other new rides and added attractions. A daredevil act, the Crash Gordon Thrill Show, will run July 29.
The entry price is reduced to $7 from more than $10 in years past, and ride tickets will be sold separately.
Vanessa Bragg will be a first-time vendor this year through her businesses--gifts and tires.
"I think there's going to be a better turnout this year. Everything looks nicer, and it's being handled better," Bragg said.
The Spotsylvania County resident said the fairs of the past decade stray from those of her childhood.
Bragg's father, Odis Collier, is working with Self to spruce up the grounds.
Other new features are a beer garden, with Miller brews, and a full-size swimming pool. The petting zoo is also expanded.
"We want this to be a good fair so by next year, people know. They'll say it did change, and now it's great," Self said.
He hopes to have 30,000 in attendance, up 5,000 to 10,000 from last year.
Shayna Jacobs: 540/374-5000 ext.5617
Email: sjacobs@freelancestar.com
