By Greg Peerenboom, Cornwall Standard Freeholder
Wednesday, July 23, 2014 9:48:47 EDT PM
Stormont County Fair secretary Barbara-Ann Glaude and other fair directors are keeping their noses to the ground, trying to sniff out a potential midway problem before it’s too late.
“We’re keeping a watchful eye on things as they unfold,” said Glaude, commenting on the fact that Stormont Fair has booked three-time no-show Billy G Amusements for its Aug. 29-Sept. 1 fair in Newington.
Billy G pulled out of the Chesterville Fair as a result of a worker shortage. Owner Bill Gordon has blamed a hold-up in processing his temporary worker application.
“We’re certainly aware of what has occurred and what’s going on behind the scenes,” Glaude said.
But the Stormont fair directors are more confident than most would expect.
Glaude said Billy G will be providing a fully operational “lineup” that appears to have a consistent complement of workers.
Regardless of this unexpected and negative spotlight on small-town fairs, Glaude urges residents to remain committed to supporting these volunteer-run events, which is a major weekend boost for a local municipality.
Williamstown Fair secretary Bev Runions said they have no worries for their upcoming fair, Aug. 8-10.
Williamstown (or Billytown as locals call it) has Carter Shows out of Dalkeith providing the midway. Carter Shows is an amalgamation of two midway companies, one being Classic Amusements which has been a mainstay for local fairs for some time.
Cornwall Ribfest also has Carter Shows for its midway this weekend.
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