Behind the Fair scenes
Published 10:57 am Thursday, October 6, 2016
- JORDAN MILES | HERALD Cumberland resident Robert Carter has been a groundsman at the fair for about 15 years. He helps set up the programming and take it down. Most of his work occurs before and after the fair, he said. “I like doing everything,” he said. “I just like working with people.”
For generations, the Five County Fair has brought smiles to children’s faces and made memories for teenagers and adults through rides, shows and other programming the fair association has offered to hundreds of thousands of people across the Heart of Virginia. The staff that makes the annual event happen — working feverishly before, during and after the event to ensure its success — don’t often see the spotlight. The Herald interviewed seven staff members who have a combined more than 160-plus years of service to the community through the fair.
JORDAN MILES | HERALD
Prospect resident Dennis Anderson has worked with the fair for about 15 years. He’s the president of the fair, which means he problem solves, helps with security and is constantly on the go to make sure people are safe and having fun. “I just enjoy working with the people,” he said.
JORDAN MILES | HERALD
Auburn Estes, of Rice, has been involved with the fair since 1963. When he was only 19 years old, he worked at First National Bank with John Varner, who was then president of the fair association. It was Varner who got Estes, who became manager in 1969, involved in the fair. He’s loved it ever since. “They get so excited,” Estes said of the children when they walk through the gates, approaching the midway. He said he loves seeing kids’ faces light up with excitement.
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For 43 years, Cheryl Estes, of Rice, has volunteered at the fair. She got involved when she, like Auburn, worked with Varner at First National Bank in Farmville. She enjoys being able to associate with people in selling admission tickets at the window. “They get so excited when they come to the window,” she said of the children. “(It’s) very exciting for the kids.”
JORDAN MILES | HERALD
Jordan Smith was only 6 years old when his late aunt, Maryanna Schuchman, got him to help her at the fair. The 24-year-old Keysville man helps with maintenance. “The kids. Just seeing the kids have fun. That’s what it’s all about,” he said. He said his aunt, while involved with the fair, took leave from wherever she was in the world to help with the fair, coming from as far away as Germany once.
JORDAN MILES | HERALD
Sue Ellen Case, of Prospect, has sold tickets for many years. Her involvement came from working at the Moose Lodge’s food booth. She’s been selling tickets for 16 years. “It’s meeting the people,” she said of her favorite aspect of the fair.
JORDAN MILES | HERALD
Jimmy Johnson has helped park cars and direct traffic at the fair for about seven years now. He’s with the Young Men’s Club, whose members help with traffic control. “One of our members, he was a member of the fair. The late Sonny Richards. We’ve been here doing it ever since.” Johnson said he enjoys “interacting with the people that come in.”
