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14 <br />Financial information about existing county fairs is not readily available, and would be a <br />major part of any further exploration of the topic. <br />Anecdotally, information from the larger fairs such as Cleveland and Cabarrus indicate <br />that such fairs do cover expenses and create operating and capital fund balances for <br />future fairs. In many cases, the amusement rides, concerts, and "midway" activities are <br />major revenue generators for county fairs. <br />Other Considerations <br />Pulling off a county fair requires a significant commitment of resources and planning, <br />often by a variety of groups and organizations working in concert with each other. There <br />are many rules, permits and procedures that must be developed or are required for <br />health, safety and other organizational or logistical reasons. <br />Some (but by no means all) of these other considerations that would need to be <br />addressed include: <br />• Impacts to neighbors and surrounding area from noise, light, parking and other <br />fair features; <br />• Availability of parking and adequacy of transportation and ingress /egress; <br />• Hours of operation and compliance with light and noise ordinances; <br />• Developing protocols and procedures for vendors, entry fees for competitions <br />and shows. One county fair has a 70 -page vendor application package; <br />• Pricing of tickets and admission and financial cost /benefit analysis; <br />• Compliance with zoning and land use ordinances (UDO) <br />• Compliance with and planning for emergency services, public safety and large <br />event planning requirements <br />VI. Possible Course of Action / Recommendations <br />As the Board of Commissioners reviews this information and begins to discuss the <br />potential for an Orange County fair, there are a number of key issues of questions that <br />the Board may wish to consider and discuss. <br />• What type of fair is envisioned (activities, vendors, theme, etc)? What is the <br />desired vision for a fair in Orange County? <br />• The relationship to existing similar events and the potential for coordination. <br />Discussion with the organizers of the existing events in the county at an early <br />stage may be prudent. <br />• If pursued, what type of process should be used to plan for the creation of a <br />County Fair? If a task force is desired to study and make a recommendation, <br />