The reasons are compelling to move the Pierce County Fair away from the Fourth of July date.

-It would most likely boost attendance.

-It would ensure more volunteer help.

-It would attract more entertainment and vendors.

-And the fact no other county fair in North Dakota holds its event on or near the Fourth of July should indicate it’s not an ideal time.

All good points, but it’s simply too early for the fair association to give up on the Fourth of July date.

Let’s not forget talk of re-establishing the Pierce County Fair came two years ago, due in large part to establishing community events to tie in with the Rugby-Pierce County quasquicentennial (125th anniversary) in 2011.

As part of that celebration, an all-school reunion was planned. The date of that reunion is July 1-3, 2011 – subsequently, the same time as the quasquicentennial.

Fair organizers worked hard to get the fair established before that anniversary and be prepared for the much-anticipated community celebration.

The fair association would be foolish to move the fair to another time, knowing there will be thousands of people converging on Rugby in early July, 2011.

Holding a fair on or near the Fourth of July has its supporters. It ties into already-established community events taking place at that time, most notably the chamber of commerce parade. It gives residents who don’t go out of town over the holiday an event to look forward to. In addition, many class and family reunions are planned for the weekend near the Fourth of July.

By 2011, the fair will have been held four consecutive years on or near the the holiday. That would be sufficient time to prove the fair is a good fit around the holiday or that it needs to be moved to another date to reach its full potential.

A decision to move the fair now would be premature.