Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
2 <br /> • Celebrate the unique historical, social, cultural, and creative aspects of Orange County, <br /> and create a community-building event with entertainment, recreation and economic <br /> development potential. <br /> • As an initial event, a two-day Friday-Saturday event, with Friday targeted for field trips <br /> from local schools. <br /> • A possible initial fair target spring 2015 as a "test run," with a later decision on whether <br /> future fairs should be fall or spring. <br /> • The future Blackwood Farm Park on NC 86 and New Hope Church Road between <br /> Chapel Hill and Hillsborough as the location. This site is near the population center of <br /> the county, has easy access to 1-40, and has been used for similar festivals. <br /> • The five primary themes of the fair would have an overarching sustainability theme; and <br /> include: <br /> o Agriculture, local food and restaurants <br /> o Arts and local artists <br /> • Orange County's diverse history <br /> • Schools, education and youth, and <br /> o Live music <br /> The fair would also include attractions for children, including traditional and non-traditional rides <br /> and games. <br /> A listing of approximately 35 groups and organizations was gathered with the idea of creating a <br /> "Coordinating Committee for the Orange County Fair' (CCOCF) to be formed to develop a <br /> County Fair Strategic Plan, with more-specific activities and amenities, a three-year financial <br /> plan (with a self-sustaining model), and a recommended management/operating structure for <br /> the fair. <br /> When presented at the November 12 work session, there were several requests made by the <br /> Board for additional information: <br /> • A more specific plan and design for the fair proposal (with information on logistical or <br /> infrastructure needs for Blackwood Farm), <br /> • A start-up budget with more detail, and <br /> • Information on potential coordination and conflicts with other events, especially Hogg <br /> Day. <br /> A conceptual plan and follow-up report is included, with a proposed basic layout plan for a fair at <br /> Blackwood Farm Park. Representatives of the Working Group also met with Hogg Day <br /> representatives, and will share the results of that conversation. <br /> The follow-up report includes additional information on revenue-generation proposals, and <br /> elaboration on the main themes (live music, food, agriculture, games, arts and crafts and <br /> history. An expected organizational approach and logistical needs are suggested, along with an <br /> updated budget. The Working Group recommendations are to 1) receive and discuss the report <br /> and projected budget, and 2) authorize hiring a professional events planner to coordinate <br /> fundraising and sponsorships, volunteer coordination and fair management and operations. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: The General Schematic Budget Estimate (attached) projects total <br /> revenues of $189,000 as noted from a variety of sources, and expenditures of $187,380 - with <br /> an additional 30% contingency ($56,214) for a possible total of $243,594. The large <br />