Our View: Volunteers make the fair possible

The Great Northern Fair has completed another year, and by all accounts the fair was a success.

The fair is a traditional country fair. It includes all of the kinds of events that have made the fair, for the last century, totally representative of Hill County.

It remains agriculture-based, and the displays put on by members of the 4-H are always among the most popular. But the live entertainment, the rodeos, the demolition derby and the carnival also attract lots of people.

There were some complaints about the carnival operation this year, and fair manager Tim Solomon said he will look into how that can be improved next year.

But as the fair hits the century mark, no one can doubt that the future is bright.

Its success is because it is so community centered.

Local civic groups run the famous food booths that please crowds, though they may not be the most nutritious food in the county. The rodeo and demolition derby are run by local volunteers, and the fair staff consists of part-time workers who are spread thin.

Were it not for the volunteers, from those who set up the rodeo to those who staff the chuckwagon, the fair could never be successful — and it could never be as much fun.

For a century, the fair has lived up to its promise to be forever free of charge. This is a great time for everyone who has enjoyed or taken part in the fair to thank all those who have volunteered to help run the fair on a shoestring.