North Carolina Now; North Carolina Now Episode from 10/16/1995

It's Monday October 16th and they're off and running it seems like everyone is in a rush to get to the North Carolina State Fair. Good evening everyone I'm orating to try and welcome to North Carolina now we are live at the state fair. Hello everyone welcome to the One Hundred and Twenty eighth North Carolina State Fair. Thank you for joining us for another week of North Carolina now live at the fair. We have another fun filled yet informative show for you tonight as we bring the state fair into your living room. So far attendance at the fair is running well ahead of last year's numbers more than 42000 people came to the fair on the first day this past Friday. Some unpleasant weather kept the crowds down on

Saturday but close to 70000 still walked through the gates and yesterday more than eighty nine thousand people came to enjoy the rides food and exhibits. So far total attendance at the fair stands at just under 200 and 1000. That's 16000 more than came during the first three days of last year. When you come to the fair you don't see all that goes into creating such a massive event but it takes months of planning and lots of hard work. Tonight Billy Barnes shows us how it's done and introduces us to a man who has been riding with the carnival for more than 50 years. If tracks could talk they take you back to 1938 they'd tell you about all the circus trains that have parked here with lions and tigers and elephants getting off of them. They tell you about all the state fairs over over half a century that have parked over here and unloaded their rides. They'd also tell you about the James straits train is coming down the track headed for another

great North Carolina State. But. The minute the train stops rolling a burly crew drops a ramp and here come those 73 midway rides that were Listen dumbass Darryl. Send scare us. The giant ferris wheel. Umbrella ride. Teeny motorbikes for the kids. On the fairground it's just three days till show time. Tons of Steel to be hustled. Boats to be turned. In the concession area thousands of bears to be unwrapped and placed in tantalizing rows. But I wonder. I wonder what happened to the old side shows. The human pin cushion body covered with blue bruises. The sword swallower made a big show wife and that sword with alcohol before he threw it down the hatch. The fat lady the majors the giant And yes that's forbidden. Ten were carnival

girls pranced in scanty clothing and a heavy eye shadow between the cotton candy stand and the guess your age booth. I found 91 year old ban Braunstein who has spent most of his life working at fairgrounds from Maine to Florida. Put a cigar in this guy's mouth and you will swear George Bryant has left Broadway and joined the carnival. I joined the show and the 40s 1941 and. It was a 50 car road show and on the Midway there was the midget show the side show. The big girl review that we had. And all showed the minstrel show today. Most people that come to a fair like the North Carolina State. They will spend their time going through the livestock bar but then they want the entertainment.

That's why we still travel on 60 rail road because we have set the three rides the all is free ride. I would say is to tell the world we have it out here. You'd be surprised. That it keeps up. With that million dollar ride. Itself. People still. Like to say well I remember that ride when I was a. Child. I say the oldest game is. Throw the Coke bottle up player right. Next to it is the ball game. Not going to like tipping three bottles all that sounds easy. But if you ever see a man stepped back and he puts a foot up they have like a million dollar pitcher you can bet is going knock nothing down. And it gets him. That he will stay there. Until he does something. I asked this veteran Carney man whatever happened to the sideshows that featured seven foot giants in dry George

Burns style he replied. You know what Giants they're all playing basketball. Well here is a man who's a giant among fair managers he is Sam Rand the manager of the North Carolina State Fair and Mr. Brand thanks for being here tonight. It was my pleasure to be of you folks. Well thank you so much we appreciate that. Tell us what goes into putting together such an event like this. Well we work two weeks and you know what curiously and I look at the combination of things just started planning last year in November of 94. It takes us about two weeks to get the grounds cleared get older buildings converted back to a multiplier for building our first big event on the ground is October 30 for and we will have a fresh lot of talking and don't really know why but you start as soon as this fair wraps up you pretty much start planning for next you know that is correct and we've already started accepting applications for commercial food exam foods

then people who want to come in and advertise their product in the building. It's ongoing process and I have a staff of people who work at that around and they stay here with me. How many. What do you have on your staff. I have a permanent staff of 50 people. OK and that's in addition to all the volunteers that you have helping throughout the year right now in addition to that workforce we employ lots of temporary employees to come to work in early spring. We have a group of people who work here on my holidays and weekends. And then crunch time when the flash starts. I was saved and I probably would've sent to a sixth one unfit to people will be working. They'll be doing everything from taking Sheldon to gate. They'll be working as I should be working as a hostess. They'll be parking cars doing just about everything and whatever

and it comes off so flawlessly. I want to ask you does it seem that the visitor that comes to the fair each year are they looking for something different or are they pretty much the same they were 50 years ago it was a combination of both and I had been here that long but I wasn't insinuating that you were. I can't speak for myself. And I came here as a kid. Some of the same thing still holds true. People come to have a background it might be three and four generations ago. But they like to see what their grandparents and yeah it was so many new people the mood in our state from out of state never knew what that was about. So they come and see what modern high technology we have two of our main exhibits this year want to start as a place for example asked that we try to help everyone. People still like to relate to real farm life in North Carolina and

said acid rain you say will have the finest steals the finest wine the finest horses beside a chicken you name we don't have them in the farm out because so many kids. They live in town I live in suburbia No never new they don't want to chance Nazia. Well Mr Rann has so much to talk about but unfortunately we're out of time but the North Carolina State Fair helps to hold that tradition on. And as you know it's going to start on October 8. James in 1996 Wardell happen you watch. We appreciate your time sir thank you. For centuries farming has been the lifeblood of our state and the family farm was at the heart and the soul of North Carolina. But even as the state fair honors the family farmer there are fewer and fewer family farms left. Bob Garner shows us one family that is fighting against the odds to maintain a way of life. One loves a get together better than a farmer. But in the midst of this celebration of agriculture we should remember that this is the time of year farmers find out what their bottom line is going to be.

As Bill and Debbie Roberts who live near Canton have found out it can change drastically from year to year. Bill and Debbie both grew up on farms and met at North Lenore high school. Debbie had not planned to marry a farmer but they fell in love so that was that. Bill's father whose deceased accumulated this farmland following World War Two. There are 100 acres of tobacco 100 of wheat 200 of soybeans and since the market so good right now. Five hundred fifty acres of cotton. There is some very good cotton but some of Bill's feels are hurting near flood conditions in June and a drought in August have made this one of the hardest years he's had in 18 years on his own. Last year this same field where Palin made 900 Pasternak made about what we have everything this year will probably be real pleased if we pick someone twenty six and seven pounds you know. We didn't do anything different limit the well or just interested it but unless something that we can't control.

Low crop prices stagnant land values rising interest rates in addition to the total capriciousness of whether those are some of the problems that have pushed many farmers out of business in the last 20 years and severely tested others. Debbie remembers one lean Christmas in particular. Christmas might not been quite what I thought. Christmas was to be and after the gifts were opened and things were done the children came out with a bag of coincidence that I had Rhoda to give to us because the crops had been short that year since tobacco is such a vital part of their livelihood. Debbie adamantly stamps every paid bill tobacco money paid you. Considering tobacco opposition and the other challenges of farming what makes people so determined to stay on the farm. In a word independence. We have to deal with weather conditions and it's a condition that sort of thing but we don't have the show or management looking down you. Maybe some other jobs. Oh I think that's

probably the probably the biggest thing we were able to call a long shot. Farming gives Bill and Debbie the freedom to accept responsibility in their community. Like most farmers they both have major responsibilities at their rural Methodist Church. And Debbie makes time to count the money for a PTA fundraiser or do one of a hundred other tasks at middle school in LaGrange. Bill makes time to pick up 13 year old John from football practice and to watch a few plays because he thinks it's important. Like a lot of their contemporaries they haven't quite mastered the computer or gotten their farm records transferred but they say the children have an intuitive grasp of computers something that's important. If John decides to follow his father into farming he's only a better background with his education. Computers and technology and him and followers are accounting for Frank. Fifteen year old Mido would also find a door open. She can't come back it. That the the field itself is going to

change so much that probably being able to handle the Tenach going is going to be probably more important man able to drought tract farm kids do have some enviable privileges at times like being able to roam around more or less at will on a four wheeler. But in the summer when their town friends are sleeping late or going to the pool John and Nita are often working long hot days to pull their share of the load. I think they're learning how to give someone when they say that yes I'm going to do this job to start it and to complete it. Finding suitable labor will be one of the biggest problems John or Anita will face if they decide to farm otherwise with fewer and fewer families involved. Their prospects may be good. It's for sure that you pretty well have to either be born into or marry into a farm family to have a shot at this way of life. One of the advantages these young people would take into farming is the attitude toward perseverance they're learning from their mother and father. When you say that they just don't see if there's anything out there that a bright future you turn

around and think well I know where I've come from and I know where I'm going and if there's going be OK as long as my family is together and we're working hard together and we will be alright. Farms which have been in the same family for more than 100 years will be honored at a special celebration this Thursday at noon. The ceremony is held every five years. There are currently about thirteen hundred farms recognized as hitting the century mark. Well believe it or not there are other events going on around the state today besides the fairs So let's head back to the North Carolina now studios where Michel Louis is standing by to fill us in on the day's news events. Good evening Mitch. Thanks Maria. Good evening everyone. High levels of nitrates have been found in three drinking water wells near a hawg farm in Robertson County. State officials say they found the contamination when they received reports that a hog farm was spraying waste near one well in the Shannon community. The source of the nitrates the oxidizing farm has been sent a notice of violation. This is the first time the state has determined that a hog farm has

contaminated groundwater off its property. The nitrates have affected at least three residents. The state says it's willing to conduct free testing of wells near other hog farms for citizens concerned about contamination. A Duke marine geologist says the outer banks could be contributing to major fish kills and the noose and Pamlico rivers. Or until he says the barrier islands prevent polluted water from flowing out of inland rivers and into the ocean. NC State biologist Joann Burkholder agrees. She says those islands are unique as they relate to North Carolina. That's because they are farther away from our state and as a result they create shallow sounds that hold nutrients and longer toxic algae has been blamed for many fish kills in the state's rivers in recent months. The Million Man March on Washington attracted hundreds of thousands of participants today. Those who addressed the crowd included Jesse Jackson Stevie Wonder and Rosa Parks. They focused on the need for black men to make atonement to their families and their communities. Minister Louis Farrakhan was the

last and most the lip most lengthy speaker Farah Khan answered his critics by saying he was not full of hate and he did not separate himself from the march. He urged those present to go home get organized and make changes. He also called for an end to what he called White Supremacy officials nationwide say it will take weeks to determine how many men took off work or what impact the march had on business. The U.S. Supreme Court has shot down an appeal from South Carolina to maintain gender discrimination at the Citadel. But the decision is not related to the case involving Greensboro cadet Nancy Mallette. South Carolina had appealed an order last spring issued by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond Virginia. South Carolina officials contended the Citadel should be able to remain all male without setting up an alternative program for women. The justices do not comment on the decision. The Nancy Melech case is a separate appeal pending in the U.S. District Court of Charleston. And now for a look at tomorrow's weather. Temperatures will range from the mid 60s in the mountains to the mid 70s

near Wilmington. There is also a frost and freeze warning for the mountains tonight. However it will be a beautiful day tomorrow with sunny skies statewide. In business news Kmart faces a $25000 fine for scanning errors found at five North Carolina stores. The State Department of Agriculture fined the discount retailer after surprise inspections and pine will Asheville Greensborough Statesville and Elizabeth City. The department inspects scales meters and fuel pumps in the state. Kmart does have the right to seek a hearing and contest the fines. The stock market declining today. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down nine point forty points to close at forty seven eighty four point thirty eight. Three hundred one million shares traded hands the Standard and Poor's 500 index as well as the Nasdaq composite index were down. And now for some stocks of North Carolina interest. That's the news for this Monday now back to Merida at the North Carolina State Fair.

Now Marina you've been out at the fair for several days now. What have you found to be most interesting out there. Well Michel I just love everything out here one thing that really caught my eye was an exhibit from the state transportation department. They had a bunch of orange barrels set up and those work zone signs and I thought don't we see enough of that already. But it's been a lot of fun you know there are so many things at the State Fair that give you the sights and sounds of a farm. But how about the feel of a farm at the milking stall sponsored by North Carolina State's animal club. You can get a handle on what life at a dairy farm is really like. The experience will cost you a beer fifty cents. These kids caught on fast as they pulled up stools to do a little milking what they can I guess you could say it was an utterly ordinary occurrence. Well it's time to check in with Andy park each night we offer this unique look at the State Fair which only Andy can provide Hello Andy. Hi Marina. You know I have a confession to make I'm a little bit of a cynic. I come to the fair year after year and I see the carnies and all the shows and you know if you can put one in the

basket ball hope that Michael Jordan couldn't even do. I kind of suspected that maybe they're putting something over on us. So you know one of the things that I look at is the lumberjack show. These dude's come down from the north woods and they tell us Southern boys all of these wonderful things that they could do. So this year when they decided to bring their lumberjack show I decided to teach him a lesson or two just one. Sure yours ready. Ron. Taught us. A. Little for. The lovers your. Mission. And Peter important. For you right. And I'm not. Gonna. Be on the phone. With Mark. Eiglarsh. One all.

Along. And all come from you. Know. The city boy I grew up on the streets. There. But. You know I. Never learned. This. Calendar let When you're ready. For. Basic A. Heaven first you don't succeed well. Alright alright alright I confess I'm humiliated. My pants and my socks and everything are still ringing away at and I have to say that for the lumberjack guys they brought me to my knees. Forgive me. And I think if you pull your pant legs down we'll all be better off at the lumberjack contest is just

one of many of vents going on here at the fair here's a look at some of the others accompanied by music from Three Dog Night which will be performing here tomorrow night at Dorton Arena. Uh. Huh. Of all the reasons people come to the fair one of the more popular attractions is to head to the races.

But Maria Lundberg shows us these Olympics specially your usual run of the mill races. These little piggies certainly aren't going to market and they're not staying home either. As the old saying goes they came to play. Yes you guessed it. This broad span is the real thing. And this isn't just any right mix die. These are racing planes six times each day to leave factories take to the track to bring home the bacon and then dash for the mash. That's pig latin for food. They come up to the swine line and faster than you can say these little hard drives or movement. According to peg announcer John Gates People just love to see these little guys go hog wild. Thank it's good sam going to tell you. You know thank what you say it you want your children grandchildren and your friends to say they get Cain willing to pay for on the field of almost all. The way up that Lucia. You.

Remember the day that changed. Just see for yourself. Now sometimes they act like hammers or get a little pig headed. But you can be sure they're never bored across the finish line the race is won by a snout. Now these guys are in hog heaven. Happier than a pig in a poke has it's dinner time. And boy do they make pigs of themselves again. Now if pigs aren't your style how about a goat. Or maybe talk some more to your liking. These fellows do pretty much whatever they want but the crowd still loves them no matter what your preference is when it comes to raising the fare is one of the best places to be. You can catch the pig goat and duck races at

the racetrack is located near and now for our nightly raffle drawing we invite you to stop by our compound while you're here at the fair and sign up for the prizes that we're giving away. We're located at the southwest corner of Dora. In fact we have some people watching our show tonight. We are giving away the Eagles concert tour video tonight and tonight's winner. OK it's Mary Lynn of Chapel Hill. Your prize will be mailed to you. Well that wraps up tonight special edition of North Carolina now. We'll see you tomorrow. Good night everyone. With

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