Fairgoers enjoy the swings at the Cullman County Fair. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN – The 2018 Cullman County Fair ended Saturday night after 10 days of thrills, exhibits, contests and fun. The Cullman Lions Club once again provided a wonderful variety of activities for fairgoers while raising money for local schools and service organizations. The money stays in Alabama and benefits many Cullman residents and local nonprofit organizations.
Lion Jerry Bonner said, “This was one of our best years. Attendance was up, and compared to the last few years, we had a great carnival group with minimal complaints.”
There were no incidents reported at this year’s fair.
The Lions Club was especially impressed with Kissel Entertainment, saying of this year’s carnival group, “They are head and shoulders above the previous vendors we have used. Their personnel were disciplined, knowledgeable, polite and worked well with the people at the fair.”
It is estimated that at least 40,000 attended the fair, although final counts were not available as of press time. There were 1,378 exhibitors with 3,310 total exhibits. That number includes all art, produce, baked items, sewing, quilts and livestock entries. The winner payouts were $24,000.
These numbers do not include participants for events held at the Coca-Cola Theatre. The pageants, spelling bee, talent show and other events paid out at estimated $7,500 to winners.
Some trophies, awards and photos have still not been picked up and are located in the office at the fairgrounds.
New contests at this year’s fair included the spelling bee and pumpkins were added to the produce contests. The Lions Club intends to make these standard events.
Bonner spoke of the few complaints the Lions received this year: “We only had a couple and they were about MegaPasses. I would suggest to those with very young children to walk around the fair to determine the rides available for the toddlers. A MegaPass might not be the best choice for the youngest kids.”
With the cleanliness, professionalism and high-quality rides provided by Kissel, the Cullman Lions Club said it will continue to use the company. That means the Cullman County Fair will likely continue to be an October event, a couple of weeks later in the year than in previous years.
Many of the carnival employees were very complimentary of Cullman and spoke to Lions Club members about how much they enjoyed the hospitality, beautiful weather and exhibits.
“They look forward to coming back and we look forward to having them back,” Bonner said.
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