The biggest Clinton Square fair yet was a success in the eyes of the community. There were a total of 112 vendors set up on the streets for the 32nd annual Clinton Square Fair. There had never been more than 100 vendors to partner with the event since it began, organizers said.
Fair-goers had an array of activities in which to take part. The annual Square Fair BBQ Cook-off began early Saturday morning, with Wilder’s Old-Fashioned BBQ from Dudley taking first place.
Those attending the fair also had the opportunity to take part in the Sampson County Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program’s annual rally, which started at 9:30 a.m. at the main stage of the fair. The rally made its way over to the Clinton City Hall Auditorium. Once there, the program featured speakers, who shared their experience with breast cancer and brochures that informed women of the importance of mammograms among other things, door prizes, and a raffle.
The Ol’ Lightnin’ Rods Car Club’s antique car show was a favorite among lovers of old cars. George Williams Jr., Alvin Herring and Jerry S. Herring all had cars that were on display for people to see.
“Without this, I wouldn’t be here,” Jerry Herring explained. The three gentlemen all agreed that the Ol’ Lightnin’ Rods Car Club was their favorite part of the square fair and that the weather was perfect for it this year.
Williams explained that it was a good opportunity to get out into the community, meet new people and see all the old cars. The old car enthusiast also owns a 1953 Chevy that couldn’t make the show this time around.
At the popular event, residents were able to check out the Sampson County History Museum, which featured a share of activities. Several groups, including The Huckleberry Brothers, Charles Carlisle & the Grandpas and A.J. & Barbara Bullard, preformed on the museum grounds. The 4-H Club set up shop and provided an exhibit on rabbits for anyone interested. People were encouraged to learn more about the 28-toothed creatures and their hay-based diets. Rabbits were even out for people to pet.
Kara Donatelli, director of the Sampson Arts Council, was with the Arts Council and the Clinton High School Art Club. Visitors were able to get free canvas bags and decorate them as they saw fit. At the arts site, a number of people painted bags and got their faces painted by members of the Clinton High School Art Club.
“We’ve had a busy day,” Donatelli exclaimed.
It was hard to find a street that wasn’t busy and full of crowds checking out all the square fair had to offer. It is a decent way for people to come together in the community and meet new people, many in attendance said.
“I’m glad Clinton does something like that,” Williams remarked.
