There aren’t many events like the Annual Salem Fair. Now in its 30th year, the largest free gate fair in America offers over 40 rides and typically draws an average of 350,000 patrons.
One of the main reasons the fair is so popular is because it offers something for everyone. “This is our biggest summer event by far,” Fair manager Carey Harveycutter said. “With a FREE admission gate, it allows families to attend multiple times to see the shows, ride the rides and eat at the food vendors.”
Fan favorites like “The Haunted House”, “Tilt-A-Whirl” and “The Giant Wheel” are once again expected to attract a lot of attention. “My mom took me to the fair when I was in middle school and the first ride we rode was ‘The Giant Wheel,’” Greg Timmins said. “I now have an eight-year-old son and I can’t wait for him to experience the fair as well.”
Six musical acts will be performing this year: Cimmaron (June 28, 30 and July 8), Wasted Acres (June 29,July 3), Rutledge (July 1, 2), 7 Mile Ford (July 4, 6), Glen Shelton (July 5, 9) and The Kings (July 7).
Ben Manuel has a good feeling that when he brings his daughter to the fair, she’s going to want to ride everything. “I was the same way when I was her age,” he jokingly said. “I know I drove my mom and dad crazy by asking them a million questions.”
Attending the Salem Fair has allowed Robbie Clyburn to also spend quality time with his family. “The Salem Fair is the place my family and I decide to meet every summer,” he said. “We are beyond excited about the 2017 Salem Fair.”
Harveycutter says the Salem Fair is a self-supporting event that generates a profit to the operating budget of the civic center along with meals, sales and admissions taxes to the city.
The Salem Fair was created to provide an opportunity for area residents to have fun with their families without having to travel long distances. “All of our entertainment and shows are free,” Civic Center Interim Director Wendy Delano said. “Where else can you go and see over 11 different shows, enjoy a variety of different fair foods and take in the sights and sounds of a carnival midway without having to pay admission?”
Over eight million people have experienced the Salem Fair since 1988. Salem resident Chris Killinger wouldn’t be shocked if a record number of people show up this year. “I saw one social media post that had over 20,000 responses,” he said. “I got a good feeling that this will be the best Salem Fair yet.”
