RECIPE FOR A SUCCESSFUL FAIR
Keeping a Tradition Going ...

The history of Fairs is based in here say and tradition. In a time when fairs are failing, the Belchertown Fair not only survives but thrives. What is the recipe for success? Many would like to know. There are several components:

Location: We have all heard that location is everything. There are some that suggest that it is time to move the Fair to somewhere else. They never have a thought nor a plan for how to support it. The Fair has managed to sustain itself for 150 years. A permanent Fairground means year round worries. Why would we mess with success?

Budget: This year, the bottom line sits right around $40,000 when one considers what comes in and goes out .This is a small amount by some standards and a large amount by others but just enough by ours.

Vendors: First is the amusement vendor paying an amount set by contract to underwrite most of the expenses including such things as police protection, entertainment, prize money and sani-cans. This year there is an additional cost in bringing to you the Fireworks celebration to commemorate the 150th. Booth-space vendors pay their share based on their nonprofit vs. profit status. As this article goes to print, there are 84 separate booths represented with nearly ½ being non profit organizations. The Fair is openly recognized as the single largest fund raiser in the Town

In Kind Service: Many people have special skills. These individuals volunteer their service which can vary from the apples they grow to the cookies they bake to the complexity of a skilled electrician. All have their place in such an intricate organization and to use a popular phrase these days…are “priceless” to the outcome. .

Sponsorship: This comes in all sizes. All are appreciated and we value each and every one of you, regardless of the size of your check.

Workforce: Unlike most fairs, Belchertown Fair represents a purely volunteer workforce. Some are Townies, born and bred in B’town but many more are represented by the newcomers who want to be part of the community they live in. NONE are paid a salary because they believe in the outcome as a product for the greater good. This is the piece most in danger.

Spirit: this is the intangible ingredient that not only allows but insures that the Belchertown Fair continues to grow. It has endured for 150 years

The Future: The current committee has been vocal about the need to bring in new blood. New blood with new ideas and energy is important to any organization to insure its survival. The question is: Is the Fair important enough to move you off your chair? Out of your comfort zone? And into a part of your community? A few brave individuals stepped forward this year. Are you ready to join them to continue the proud tradition that separates us from so many?