Wayne Regional again one of state's best
By Staff Reports
Published in News on January 20, 2013 1:50 AM
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News-Argus/MICHAEL BETTS
Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair Office Manager Edythe Blanton, left, retired Fair Manager Milton Ingram, new Fair Manager Eddie Pitzer, and President of the Wayne County Livestock Association Curtis Shivar stand with the Image Award at the fairground. The Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair won the award for being the best fair in the state. This year's fair will be Sept. 26 to Oct. 5.
DUDLEY -- The Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair continues to set the standard by which other fairs are judged, having won the Image Award for the best agricultural fair in 2012 in North Carolina for the 15th time since the awards program started in 1977.
The prestigious Image Award is given annually to a fair that demonstrates the best balance of outstanding agricultural and youth exhibits, livestock shows, contests, entertainment, commercial displays, a variety of foods, and a good carnival.
The Wayne Fair has won the Image Award more than any other fair in the state.
It wasn't the only honor the fair brought home from the N.C. Association of Agricultural Fairs Convention held Jan. 2-4 at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center in Durham.
It also won the Commissioner of Agriculture Award for the Got To Be Agriculture Booth Display. The display contest encourages fairs to incorporate a creative, interactive and interesting exhibit about North Carolina agriculture.
There are 42 agriculture fairs that are members of the N.C. Fair Association.
The success of the fair year after year is due to the contributions and dedication of many volunteers, employees, exhibitors and the many fair patrons that attend the annual event, organizer said.
Long-time Fair Manager Milton Ingram retired at the end of December.
Eddie Pitzer, who has served as secretary/treasurer of the Wayne County Livestock Development Association for the past 20 years, has been appointed as manager.
Pitzer said he plans to continue to build on the success of the fair under Ingram's leadership.
The 2013 fair will operate Sept. 26 to Oct. 5. Powers Great American Midways will again provide the carnival.
The Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair is owned and operated by the Wayne County Livestock Development Association Inc., a non-profit organization.