Debra Jones, a charter member of the Levy County Fair Association, said lack of volunteers forced the closure of the fair.

By Terry Witt – Spotlight Senior Reporter

                The Levy County Fair has closed its doors for good.

            Debra Jones, one of the charter members, made the announcement at Tuesday’s Williston City Council meeting.

            “It’s not a matter of money. It’s a matter of not having the people,” Jones said.

            The Levy County Fair Association has about $60,000 in the bank that will be distributed to charities when the state approves the dissolution plan and a circuit judge signs off on it.

            “It’s very sad for us to give it up, but we can’t do it,” she said.

            Jones said 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, the Suwannee River Fair and Tri-County Pregnancy Center are among the organizations that will benefit from the distribution of the fair association money.

            She said there is additional money in the form of deposits being held by vendors that will be part of the distribution to charities. One vendor has yet to return a deposit.

            Everything left over after the distribution is completed will go to the Joint Ministerial Alliance Food Bank. Five or six churches use the food bank.

            The fair association advertised in a newspaper for a meeting to dissolve the fair. The meeting was held as planned. The association agreed to close the fair. The fair re-opened for business in 2005 after being inactive for a number of years.

            Lack of volunteers to put on the huge event was what forced the fair close.

              The association has eight remaining members, including Jones, Mayor Jerry Robinson and his wife Councilwoman Marguerite Robinson, the three remaining charter members.

            Jones said the association contacted the midway provider and told him the fair is no longer in business. He was planning to set up on the fairgrounds in April.

            “One thing we need to know – not now – how clean do you want it,” Jones said referring to the fairground property at the Williston Municipal Airport.

            She asked if the city wants the association to pull up the well or leave it, pull up the fence or leave it, remove the power poles or leave them, and if the city wants to leave the three 200 amp electric service panels in place.

            There’s also the question of whether the underground water pipes should be removed. Half of the fairgrounds property is served by a well, the other half by city water.

            “I don’t know if you want it for recreation. I have to pull those things if you don’t want it,” she said.

            She said the fair association also owns a portable floor that can be used for dances or special events. Talented carpenters built panels for the top of the floor that fit together like a puzzle.

            City Manager Scott Lippmann said he and his staff will meet to discuss what the city wants to do about the fairgrounds. He will report back at the next council meeting.

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City of Williston Regular Meeting March 3, 2020; Posted March 3, 2020