Fair has banner year in attendance, profits

Published 6:55 pm Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Bustling ticket booths and two nights of record attendance were indicators of another successful year for the Chilton County Fair.

Final numbers for attendance and revenue were not available Wednesday, but Clanton Kiwanis Club President Dan Nolen said he thought 2012 was a record year for the fair in both respects.

“We’ll be able to continue to do all the charities we’ve done in the past, and we’re looking forward to doing that again,” Nolen said. “We want to be able to continue to (support) those organizations that are in need. That’s what Kiwanis is all about.”

Once again, the club will also use fair proceeds to fund scholarships for six high school seniors – one from each school in the county.

Fair organizers, including Nolen, met Wednesday to talk about the positive aspects of this year’s event, as well as the parts they could improve.

On the positive side, Sept. 25, the night of the Demolition Derby, saw record attendance.

“I think we had about 18 cars,” Nolen said and added it was the most participation the derby has ever had.

Large crowds filled the fairgrounds Sept. 28, too, despite several local football games scheduled for the same night.

“Generally, the biggest night is Friday night,” Nolen said. “It was a great night for us, and the weather cooperated. The Lord really blessed us. We had super attendance.”

On the improvement side, Nolen said he wants to add more ticket booths next year to accommodate fairgoers, especially on days and nights of peak attendance.

With continued support from club members and community members, Nolen expects the annual event to keep growing and improving in the future.

“It’s a lot of work to put on the fair,” he said. “We have a great club, and we’re always looking for new, community-minded people to serve as Kiwanians. The city of Clanton has always been helpful to us. We appreciate them.”