The Third Time Is the Charm

There was a bustle of activity and a slight chill in the air on the morning of October 5, 2019, as preparations were being made for the third Fairview Fall Festival in our Fairview Park.  Numerous volunteers scurried about from place to place as vendors unpacked and got set up in their various tent locations.  Elaborate decorations ranging from pumpkins and scarecrows to shocks of corn and bales of hay had been strategically placed to create an autumn-like atmosphere for this first day of fall temperatures following days of 90-plus-degree daytime heat. The crunch of fallen leaves along the walking path around our pond set the stage for the excitement in the air as families arrived to participate in events on the day’s agenda.  Each child received a passport at the park entrance to get stamped as one by one activities were completed around the pond.  Children’s activities included pumpkin decorating, a scavenger hunt, the bouncy house, walking stick decorating, a barrel ride and others.  One of the most popular spots was the Fairview firetruck on display which was open for kids to tour.  As children participated in their games and activities, adults enjoyed opportunities to shop more than 30 vendor tents which included everything from clothing, crafts and jewelry to $5 gas fill-ups for propane grill cylinders and vacation planning opportunities.  While childish squeals of delight could be heard all around, the most welcomed sound of children’s voices came with the Fairview Elementary School performance at noon.  Local musical groups rounded out the day’s entertainment with engaging numbers performed on the sound stage by Oak Grove, the Pine Ridge Boys, the Redeemed Trio, Southern Express, Union Road and Village Green.  Delicious and affordable food items were provided for festival goers by local church groups, a local scout troop and businesses. Everything from popcorn and ice cream to hamburgers, hot dogs and barbecue plates helped to squelch hunger pangs.  Children of all ages left the park tired but happy after exchanging their stamped passports for prizes to take home. Following two years of successful but less well attended events in 2017 and 2018, our Town of Fairview Event Committee hit the jackpot this year resulting in a phenomenal turnout.  Festival sponsors Carolina Cat, McCoy Oil Co. and the Town of Fairview ensured that the hundreds of festival goers enjoyed a fabulous and affordable day of fun and entertainment in Fairview.

                                                                                                Patricia Kindley

                                                                                                Historian, Town of Fairview