This year marked the 65th anniversary of the Onslow County Fair. Held in a large field off Broadhurst Rd., the fair boasted a multitude of rides, games, food, and other attractions. General entry for those aged four through sixty-four was $6 per person, but children under three years old were able to get in free. In order to enjoy the rides, a ticket exchange was required, and they were able to be purchased in varying amounts (one for $1.25, twenty for $25, or fifty-six for $50). If desired, however, an unlimited, all-day pass for the rides was available for $16 per person.
Upon entering the fair, you first found yourself in a large building filled with many different booths. Most offered items to buy (such as honey, clothing, or handmade leather pouches), but some represented organizations (like the Onslow County Special Olympics). Outside that building was another structure where you could find chickens, geese, goats, and rabbits that were entered into the fair for judging. You could not touch or feed the animals, but it was enjoyable to look at the different breeds, regardless.
Past that was the main part of the fair, where there was a variety of food and beverages available, including cheese fries, a massive cheese stick boasting a quarter pound of cheese, funnel cakes, cotton candy, caramel and candy apples, popcorn, pizza, corn dogs, ice cream, lemonade, various types of soda, and more. Some may have been disappointed to learn that kettle corn was nowhere to be found, but there was still plenty of variety, and if the refreshments failed to excite, there were numerous rides and games to make up for it.
Slides, mini roller coasters, spinning swings, Ferris wheels, a merry-go-round, a tilt-a-whirl, a drop tower, and bumper cars were just some of the available rides. There was even a mechanical bull for those so inclined. Games included fishing for your own goldish or other prizes; popping balloons with darts; throwing balls at targets or into hoops; climbing across twisting, horizontal rope ladders; and even hanging for two minutes to try and win $100. Most of the available prizes were stuffed animals of varying sizes, with many that were almost too big to carry. If none of that struck your fancy, there were also a few different funhouses you could walk through.
Perhaps the most unique attraction, however, were the two parrots, Sunny and Cherry. Handled by German Willis—an employee of Amusements of America—Sunny and Cherry were beautiful and friendly parrots that would sit docilely on your shoulder or arm. For just five dollars, you could have pictures taken with your phone of you with the parrots, and for ten dollars, you could receive a print version. Afterward, Sunny and Cherry could give you kisses on your forehead—if you felt brave enough. Though Mr. Willis said he has been handling the parrots at events for ten years, this year was only his second year at the Onslow County Fair. If you want a unique picture next year to document your trip to the fair, definitely look for Sunny and Cherry.
Article and photo provided by: Julie Davis
