Dale E. Thurman 7-15-2013

Dale E. Thurman, Gwinnett County Fair Manager, spoke at the noon meeting of the Rotary Club of Lawrenceville on June 15.  The group found out that there is a lot more that goes on out at the Fairgrounds besides the annual Gwinnett County Fair.  Thurman mentioned varied activities there throughout the year:  gun shows, dog shows, ham radio shows, Relay for Life, Boy Scout Expos, a Consignment Sale, corporate events, Extension Service activities such as the petting zoo and BB training, and even weddings and a reptile show.  The facilities are available for rent year round. He explained that the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds is a non-profit organization with a nine-member Board of Directors and two full-time employees.The County Fair is their largest event, with over 230,000 people attending last year.  He explained that preparation for the Fair is a year-long process; planning involves the carnival, vendors, entertainment, security, livestock shows, and gate people. At the Fair, vendors take advantage of the opportunity to display their new products, and kids get rewarded for their work with livestock.  He referred anyone wanting more information to visit the website www.gwinnettcountyfair.com.