High expectations for West Alabama State FairWith predictions of perfect fall weather, organizers hope to draw crowds
Jamyia Allen, 7, enjoys the Mini Himalya ride at the West Alabama State Fair and Expo on Sunday afternoon at Munny Sokol Park off Watermelon Road in Tuscaloosa. Proceeds from the fair benefit United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama.Megan Smith
The Tuscaloosa News
By William Evans Special to the Tuscaloosa News ,
October 3, 2011 p.m.
Tucked away in the quiet edge of Tuscaloosa, Munny Sokol Park is busy.
Brenda Ewart, the person responsible for all the commotion, says she is pleased the West Alabama State Fair and Expo has found a niche three years after moving across town. And with perfect fall weather predicted this week, the fair could attract families from surrounding communities in droves.
“With no rain, we could raise $100,000,” Ewart said.
As Development Director of United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama, a nonprofit organization that serves people with intellectual or physical disabilities in 16 counties, Ewart combed West Alabama to find a suitable location for the annual fair. The event accounts for 82 percent of the fundraising for United Cerebral Palsy.
“There is so much competition among nonprofits, but nobody’s doing a fair,” Ewart said.
After nine months of searching, Ewart settled upon Munny Sokol Park off Watermelon Road in Tuscaloosa.
“We feel like it’s a safer place, and we can control who comes in and out, whereas the other fairs that set up kind of fly-by-night have no entrance, no exit and no designated parking,” she said. “It was baby steps for us.”
The fair brings in nonprofits and local businesses that have set up information booths
under the Mercedes-Benz-
sponsored white tent at the entrance where tickets are bought.READ MORE:http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20111003/NEWS/111009920/1007/sitemaps
Brenda Ewart, the person responsible for all the commotion, says she is pleased the West Alabama State Fair and Expo has found a niche three years after moving across town. And with perfect fall weather predicted this week, the fair could attract families from surrounding communities in droves.
“With no rain, we could raise $100,000,” Ewart said.
As Development Director of United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama, a nonprofit organization that serves people with intellectual or physical disabilities in 16 counties, Ewart combed West Alabama to find a suitable location for the annual fair. The event accounts for 82 percent of the fundraising for United Cerebral Palsy.
“There is so much competition among nonprofits, but nobody’s doing a fair,” Ewart said.
After nine months of searching, Ewart settled upon Munny Sokol Park off Watermelon Road in Tuscaloosa.
“We feel like it’s a safer place, and we can control who comes in and out, whereas the other fairs that set up kind of fly-by-night have no entrance, no exit and no designated parking,” she said. “It was baby steps for us.”
The fair brings in nonprofits and local businesses that have set up information booths
under the Mercedes-Benz-
sponsored white tent at the entrance where tickets are bought.READ MORE:http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20111003/NEWS/111009920/1007/sitemaps
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