Update: Because of weather, the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair is not opening Saturday. Visit robesoncountyfair.com or the fair’s Facebook page for updates on Sunday’s events.
LUMBERTON — After Hurricane Joaquin postponed the opening of the 69th annual Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair, organizers are hoping the clouds will cut them some slack today.
The fair is now scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m., providing the weather cooperates — and the forecast suggests a fair chance.
“We’re going to give it our best shot,” said Coble Wilson, president emeritus of the event. “You have to play the cards you’re dealt.”
Today’s forecast calls for a 16 percent chance of showers at 3 p.m.; a 23 percent chance at 6 p.m.; and a 31 percent chance at 9 p.m. The high is expected to be 80 degrees.
Wilson said that the postponement on Friday was a hiccup compared with previous fairs. A spate of thunderstorms forced the event to shut down for three days in 2013.
“You’re libel to get a little rain over the course of nine days,” Wilson said. “But it normally balances out because people want to go to the best county fair in the state.”
Although he “hated” having to push the back the festivities, Wilson says that the welfare of fair-goers is his No. 1 priority.
“The safety of our patrons is most important to us and we didn’t want to jeopardize that,” he said. “We also want everybody to have a good time and we know that, if it’s raining, they will not.”
Some changes to the fair’s lineup were made in response to the rain, which has made parts of the fairgrounds muddy and unsafe for certain outdoor activities. The Lawn and Garden Tractor Pull that was scheduled for today and the Mt. Elim Remote Flying Club demonstration planned for Sunday have both been canceled.
Originally scheduled to be held outdoors on Monday, the cheerleading competition has been pushed to Tuesday and is now an indoor event.
Wilson said that, for the most part, the fair’s lineup has weathered Huricane Jauquin. He assures that this year’s event will still boast a bevy of games, rides and activities for patrons of all ages.
“This year is probably the best that we’ve had in 69 years,” Wilson said.
To make up for the lost day, advance tickets for the fair will remain on sale today at all Sun-Do convenience stores, State Employees Credit Union branches, the The North Carolina Cooperative Extension’s Robeson County Center and the student activity center at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Tickets can also be purchased at robesoncountyfair.com, where a full schedule of events can be found.
Special discounts on admission will be offered throughout the week:
— On Sunday, guests can ride roller coasters and Ferris wheels for free from 1 to 2 p.m.
— On Sunday, Univision is sponsoring family day. Bring the family for a fun-filled day at the fair for $20. The cost includes carnival rides and admission.
— On Sunday, military get in free with military ID.
— On Sunday, guests can get in free with a current church bulletin until 2 p.m.
— On Tuesday, all students get in free with school coupon.
— On Wednesday, people 62 and older get in free.
— On Wednesday, all college students will be admitted for free with a student ID, and children will be admitted for free with school coupon.
— On Oct. 8, anyone who brings five cans of food will get in free from 4:30 to 10 p.m.
