Cumberland County Fair management and organizers held a brief public meeting on Monday March 20, to go over the early plans for the 2023 Cumberland County fair currently scheduled to return to the Crown Complex from Sept. 1- Sept.10, 2023. 

In a meeting led by Fair Manager Tony Williams, partners and participants were able to discuss current plans and organize their next stages of development. 

Currently planned entertainment includes Ember Fire Arts, fire performances from artist Amber Babb who is coming to the Cumberland County Fair for the first time and Johnny Rockets Cycle Circus Live, returning for the first time since 2019.

In addition to the entertainment lineup, Bob Bohm’s Family entertainment will be returning for the first time since 2006-07 and will be hosting fair specific game shows such as “Farmily Feud” and a fair themed show/ event based off the show “Survivor.” 

“He will do two to three shows geared towards family and kids throughout the 10 days. So that's something that we brought in completely new, because he was more of a clown entertainment back when he was here in the early to mid 2000s. He has kind of changed up everything and he's more geared towards doing family entertainment and making sure that the families and the kids get to interact, so it's more of an immersive experience,” said Williams. 

This year the entry fee will also see a slight increase, going from $8 to $10, but visitors can offset that cost by coming on one of the themed days which have yet to be set in stone. 

“Entry now is $10 per person except for on the special days. You know, we're trying to make it as economically friendly as possible, just depending on the day you can come,” said Williams. 

Editor’s Note: GFBJ is waiting on solid confirmation of dates and themes for the special days that will be featured during the fair dates. 

Displays such as the NC State Extension 4-H programs and Future Farmers of America booths are expected to return this year as well, and Williams also highlighted a major need for livestock displays for the upcoming fair. 

“Midway and food are the first two things that people are here for the Fair for, the next thing on it is animals. They want to see animals. And because we're growing into more of an urban area, the kids around here have no clue what these farm animals look like, and they love to come in and see them,” said Williams. “And if you would just stand over there for just a few hours and watch the interaction of those kids get to see those animals. You know why they’re coming and you know why you want to make it happen.” 

The Fair is ready to welcome local and exotic animals as displays. Williams also confirmed that businesses with animals outside of Cumberland County are welcome to be featured.  

Anyone interested in participating in this year’s fair can reach out to Tony Williams at Tony.Williams@oakviewgroup.com or by calling 910-438-4107. Sponsorships are still open.