It's time for fun at the fall fair

Just as surely as the weather cools and the leaves turn colors and fall from the trees, the Merchants Association Fair comes to the Columbia County fairgrounds.

When the fair opens Thursday, it will be the 36th year of thrilling kids and adults alike with shows and amusements, all courtesy of the the Merchants Association. Its just good rides, good, clean fun, a good time for the family, says the associations Billy Becton.

Though fun is the biggest attraction, the fair also has a serious side. Funds raised at the event help local charities - including $5,000 the Merchants have already donated to the CSRA Care & Prayer Crusade for victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

Profits from the event also, on a basic level, provide the fairgrounds themselves. In addition to the Merchants fair, the spacious site is a valuable resource for other events in Columbia County - including the spring fair put on by the Columbia County Exchange Club - and even provides overflow parking for the Independence Day fireworks show at Patriots Park.

All these benefits are thanks to the planning and hard work of Merchants Association volunteers who themselves dont make a dime from the fair - and who, like Becton, are just happy to be involved in promoting good, clean fun for our community.

The fair opens Thursday at 6 p.m. at the fairgrounds on Columbia Road, and runs through Saturday, Oct. 6. Lets make it the best ever!