Candidates Bring Message To NEA District Fair

The words “The Pressure is On,” extolling the virtues of canning, were part of a display at the NEA District Fair Thursday.

The same phrase may be said for political candidates, who spent the day meeting with voters and building support for a key election this year.

The NEA District Fair has been in Jonesboro for 30 years, while a county fair has been in Jonesboro for nearly three times longer.

During the event, which started Monday, fair goers have gotten an opportunity to listen to music, eat food and talk to politicians.

There were at least a half-dozen candidates shaking hands and talking with voters Thursday.

The two candidates for Craighead County Judge – challenger Republican Wes Ward and incumbent Democrat Ed Hill – had their booths at the fair.

Hill, who is seeking a fourth term in November, said he enjoys visiting with people and learning about issues.

“You can talk with and meet folks. It is good to see people and I look forward to it every year,” Hill said.

Ward said the fair has given him an opportunity to meet people.

“I have heard a lot from voters. [At the fair], you can get their thoughts and see what needs to be fixed,” Ward said.

Craighead County Collector Marsha Phillips, D-Jonesboro, said the fair gives candidates an opportunity to talk to a larger group of people in a relatively short period of time.

“You reach a bigger group of people,” Phillips, who is facing Republican Timothy Simmons of Brookland in the fall. “It has been good responses, whether people say they will vote for me or not.”

State Sen. John Cooper, R-Jonesboro, said his party’s booth at the fair has been well-visited.

“The booth has been busy. We have had more requests for signs, information and everything than I have ever seen,” Cooper, who is up for re-election in 2016, said.

ATTENDANCE & ATTRACTIONS
Assistant fair manager Mitch Johnson said the fair has been busy this year.

The fair district covers 16 counties in Northeast Arkansas and has an estimated tens of thousands of visitors from each of the counties, Johnson said.

People from southeast Missouri and West Tennessee also visit the fair, with people driving as far away as Ash Flat in Sharp County to attend.

Johnson said many of the people who participate in the fair, including several of the livestock displays, stay in local motels during the week and eat at nearby restaurants.

“I would say it is good for Jonesboro as a whole,” Johnson said.

Jamie Lynn Spears, the sister of Britney Spears, performed Monday night while Friday is Children’s Day at the fair. The fair will also honor one of its longtime staples – professional wrestling – with a tribute to Memphis wrestling Friday night, Johnson said.

Another longtime legend is being honored this year. Fair Manager Jerry Reece, who retired several years ago from a career with Jonesboro City Water and Light, is retiring this year after 48 years with the fair.

The fair concludes Saturday.