Westport Fair Volunteers Deserve Thanks, Not Complaints

The Westport Fair is back, and as always, it’s the talk of the SouthCoast.

Every summer, locals and visitors flock to Westport to soak in its agricultural roots, cheer on the tractor pulls, and indulge in all the fair food they can handle.

From horseshoe tournaments to chainsaw wood art, racing pigs to the annual chicken dinner, there’s truly something for everyone. Carnival rides, farm animals, games, arts and crafts, local vendors – you name it, the fair has it.

For many Westport natives, the fair isn’t just an event, it’s a tradition.

A Local’s Perspective

I was born and raised in Westport, where attending the fair was a rite of passage, but every year, without fail, someone complains. It’s usually about the admission price, which, by the way, is just $5 (and kids under 10 get in free). That’s nothing compared to what you get in return.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Westport Fair Survival Guide

L:et’s be honest: the loudest complainers are almost always people from out of town, or those who wouldn’t have gone anyway. To them, I say, "kick rocks."

Behind the Scenes: Volunteers Make It Happen

What most people don’t realize is that the Westport Fair runs entirely on volunteers. No one is getting paid to spend weeks planning the entertainment, hiring security, setting up (and cleaning up) the fairgrounds, and making sure every detail runs smoothly.

These are hardworking men and women with full-time jobs (sometimes multiple jobs) who give up time with their families to make sure thousands of people can enjoy four days of summer fun. Many of them grew up going to this fair themselves and now dedicate their summers to keeping that tradition alive.

Get our free mobile app

Stop the Negativity

Is the fair perfect? It's pretty darn close! The people who nitpick, drag politics into it or badmouth it online should be ashamed. This isn’t just a fair; it’s a labor of love for the community.

So the next time you think about complaining about the Westport Fair, don’t. Appreciate the people who break their backs under the summer sun to make it happen.

I said what I said.

Sincerely,

Mr. Westport 2005