The Fair Board hosted their annual Columbus County Agriculture Fair Appreciation Dinner Thursday to kick off this year’s event.
Arts, crafts, food, livestock contest start being entered today. Exhibits will set up throughout the weekend. The County Fair Parade is Monday (Oct. 12), with line up at 3 p.m. on Lee Street in Whiteville. Gates Open Tuesday(Oct. 13) at 4 p.m.
Jess Hill, Fair Board President, opened the evening with a warm welcome to the 2026 “Family A-Fair” Appreciation Dinner. Sheriff Bill Rogers led the Pledge of Allegiance. Sgt. Alfonzo Howard of the Columbus County Sheriff Department sang the National Anthem. Rev. David Flowers Sr. from Central Missionary Baptist Church gave the invocation over the food and the fair.
Everyone in attendance enjoyed a good ole country chicken bog with the fixings. A lot of fellowship and catching up on the local chatter. The dinner was sponsored by BEMC and catered by Sarah Gore Catering.
The ceremony began by remembering Deputy Damien Draper Bost and Master Trooper Stien Davis. Hill recognized the families of these two outstanding officers who died in the line of duty and asked that we continue to pray for these families. Bost and Davis’ names will be added to the memorial at the fair grounds.
David Gore, BEMC Chairman and Fair Director Emeritus, introduced the Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) CEO and Board of Trustees. Brunswick Electric is a longtime supporter of the Columbus County Fair. Hill also recognized all of the dignitaries in attendance.
Rhonda Thompson, the fair board treasurer, introduced the 2026 Fair Parade Marshal, Rhone Sasser. Sasser is one of the oldest veterans in Columbus County. Sasser served in U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. Mr. Sasser’s dedication to our community has played a vital role in the Columbus County Fair. The exhibition building was built by the support of Sasser and United Carolina Bank for the first county fair in 1980. Mr. Rhone and Mrs. Dorothy’s sunflower field has brought many families memories. The sunflower field has been a destination for area photographers for many years.
Hill also read the 2026 Fair Book dedication, honoring Randy and Angela Norris of the Veterans Memorial Park of America. Jess asked the Board of Directors for the Veterans Memorial Park of America to stand and be recognized.
“The Columbus County Agriculture Fair. is proud to delicate the 43rd Fair Book to Randy and Angela Norris for their commitment to not only the Veteran’s Memorial Park of America but also to every veteran in Columbus and surrounding counties,” Hill said. “Their countless hours of service and sacrifice to every veteran is a testament to their love of our country and we honor that spirit on this, our 250th Anniversary.”
Mrs. Norris thanked the fair board for dedicating the Fair book to our veterans and the 250 years of America. She said there had been many sleepless nights and many hours of meeting with ongoing planning.
“We some say ‘It will never happen’ but these veterans and their families stepped up to make the mission possible,” she said. Mrs. Norris also thanked people from the community and surrounding area for supporting the mission.
She stated that the newest phase at the park will be the Legacy of Freedom Military Museum and Event Center, “that will allow our children to help veterans heal.
“The Veterans Memorial Park of America right here in little ole Columbus County has brought a true place of healing for our veterans and their families,” she said.
David Gore and Danny Benton came on stage to do a special presentation and the Jimmy Ferguson Award. This year was a moving and emotional presentation. This year the award went to a special lady that “to know her was to love her.” She was always willing to help others.
Vickie Hardie will always be in our hearts. Every time we enter the fair grounds and go through the gate at the Demolition Derby Pass Gate. Vickie would make sure everyone was in and ready to cheer the cars on. Vickie passed away in May, but she is smiling down on this years fair. Her daughter Jessica and grandson Emerson were present to receive the award in honor of Vickie. The Demolition Derby Pass Gate will be named the Vickie Hardie Derby Gate. So well deserved. Vickie was a true asset to the Columbus County Fair and will be greatly missed.
Fair Manager Mack Ward thanked the Edmund Family for their strawberry bin, a very nice addition to the County Fair Grounds. The Edmund family is “the Strawberry Family” for the Chadbourn Strawberry Festival. Yummy strawberries.
Ward also thanked David Creech for delivery and set up of the strawberry bin.
Hill also announced that the Exhibition Building will be dedicated to the Rhone Sasser family. The new sign will read ‘Sasser Family Exhibition Center’ a truly wonderful for the dedication this family has had for the Columbus County Fair for over 40 years.
Jan Hardee introduced the Fair Royalty. The Royalty has made between 100-150 appearances from the coast to the mountains representing the Columbus County Fair.
Sarah Gore, Fair Board Vice President ended the night with her fair excitement. She is always looking forward to the County Fair. She is looking forward to seeing everyone next week.
Just with any dream, your need the dreamers and supporters. And this is how dreams come true. Remember this is a “FAMILY A-FAIR”!
