Highlighting beer tent distorts fair’s focus

The Gazette published listings of highlights of the Linn County Fair and surrounding county fairs in its June 23 issue (“More than a fair time”). There was clip art showing various things happening at each fair and the one chosen by The Gazette for the Linn County Fair was beer glasses and mugs, and the top highlight said “Beer tent daily. Must be 21.”

Under no circumstances did the Linn County Fair Board or Association put that article in. Our mission statement reads:

“The mission of The Linn County Fair Association is to provide opportunities for 4-Hers, FFA members and the youth of Linn County to showcase their accomplishments and talents in a safe family atmosphere while providing activities, entertainment and learning opportunities to the diverse citizens of Linn County and guests from surrounding areas.”

No other fairs had their beer tents listed. I feel very poor judgment was shown listing the beer tent as our main highlight and focus, as it is not. In the future, we hope The Gazette works better to show the public what our fair is really about.

Kathy Clemens

Linn County Fair Board member

Marion