North Mississippi Feels Terror's Toll

The opening weekend was strong at the Sept. 7-15 North Mississippi Regional Fair and Agri-Expo at the Lee County Agri-Center, Verona, Miss., near Tupelo. Weather was good for the entire run.

Bill Boren, manager/director, said all was great until the tragic events of Sept. 11. "On that Tuesday, I made a difficult decision as to what we should do concerning the fair. Should we close, or go forth?

"That was Dollar Day, one that always has high attendance. After talking with Don Gregory of United Shows of America and several other key people, I decided to keep the fair going. I contacted all the media and advised them of my decision, and why I felt it was important to keep the fair open."

Boren said he and Gregory felt the fair could bring a little lift to families, a short getaway from the reality of what had happened.

Gregory, who signed a new three-year contract to play the fair, said, "Yes, we opened that night and had a respectable crowd. I think it was a way for the public to deal with the troubles of the day."

Boren said the Gregorys brought in a great midway and a lot of new rides that had never been at the fair. "We had re-worked our midway area to better accommodate the carnival, allowing for better ride set up and customer convenience.

"The fair and carnival offered a variety of special day and night incentives, such as a Moonlight Madness unlimited ride Pay-One-Price promotion, Dollar Day, Kid's Day, and many more," said Boren.

Most of the entertainment was free, featured at six different locations. The only paid events were in the Agri-Center. They were sanctioned by the PBR Bull Riding, produced by M. C. Merritt; The Spiritual Jubilee, featuring Lee Williams, and the Spiritual QC's and the Miss North Mississippi Regional Fair Pageant, preliminary to the Miss Mississippi Pageant. Admission for those events was $5.

Outside entertainment included The Great Wallendas and their 30-minute spectacular show; Dr. Rock's Dinosaur Adventure and High Action Stunt bikes.

United Shows brought in Ermes Zamperla, the Human Cannonball and a Grand Ole Opry Show for the second straight year. Featured performers included Jim Ed Brown, Johnny Counterfit, Stonewall Jackson, Jan Howard, Jeanne Pruett, Ernie Ashworth, Jett Williams, Billy Walker, and Ken Mellons. Stagelight Sound of Jackson, Miss., handled lights and sound.