Need to change the name to the" White Marsh used to be known as Perry Hall Fair". Sure there will be more people there but it destroys the old small town community feel that the fairs had when held in old Perry Hall like at the High School or even before at the Middle School. If we want to go to a big fair then we would go to the State Fair in Timonium. Just another example of something getting too big and out of hand like all the development that ruined Perry Hall.

Not a fan of this decision at all; one more great thing about Perry Hall bites the dust.

LOL So It's now the middle river fair! What a joke

The size of the fair was not the major problem. The properties that were available had regulations that would chnge the fair drastically. Lynn tried VERY hard to keep the fair in our zip code, but really have you ever looked at the zip code maps? In the zip code maps 21128 is Perry Hall, and yet most of Perry Hall is in 21236.
The St. John's Properties are only a short distant away. Instead of viewing this as moving our fair to Middle River, view it as a chance to expand our boundries as a community.

Well, I just got a free weekend back. I wont be attending.

Although I have never been to either venue, from what I have heard, the fair was pretty cool at PHHS but not so much when the fair was transferred to a commercial/business location. I was considering attending the fair with my family should the location resume at PHHS, but now, not so much. I'd rather not spend a hot summer day on an asphalt paved parking lot that I have to drive too. I mean, at least PHHS has trees and the adjacent park to retreat to if the summer heat gets to be too much.

its a great location.. Easy access and plenty of parking and built with love by omalley's new americans.. enjoy..

Not a fan of this ridiculous move out of the community.

Since I can no longer walk to the fair, I am no longer interested in attending. Like others have said, another nice thing about Perry Hall bites the dust.

If it's in Middle River, or anywhere other than a Perry Hall venue, I'll skip it. Hope those who made this awful decision have a good time by themselves.

What a ridiculous idea. Lynn Richardson should be ashamed. "regional"? What a CYA move

I have to agree that it doesn't make much sense to call it the White Marsh/Perry Hall Town Fair if it is in another community. What about all the empty space at White Marsh Mall between Ikea and the empty department store. Or, put it where the carnival sets up every year along Honeygo at Perry Hall Blvd.

I would love to see it come back to the high school, those were the best years! It might not be so bad at that location in Middle River though. Seems a bit silly to still call it the Perry Hall fair though. I'm sure the fine people in Middle River will have a blast at their new fair!

It is really pathic that we can not have the Perry Hall Fair in Perry Hall. I suggest the the name of the fair be changed as has been mentioned in pervious comments. Maybe if people in PH boycott the fair, the organizers may get the message.

Middle River? Seriously?

What an embarrassment. Why not just have it in Essex or Dundalk next year. I've no intention of going. I'll come back when it's actually a Perry Hall fair again.

Won't be there either. Very disappointed in those making the decisions regarding the fair. Certainly easier to move it out of the area than to stand firm and fight to keep it local. The business owners that complained about this years fair should be ashamed of themselves. If not for them, I would have to believe that the fair would have returned to this location. One day of incoviences should be tolerable for the potential customer base that the fair would draw. Not to mention, just being supportive of the community.

tim.. this whole state is a cess coming to a neighborhood near you. bring your camera to highlandtown, pg and moco county..

My wife and II really enjoyed the afternoon at the fair last year! We won't attend this year at the proposed location. Crossroads ..... REALLY

I remember well the complaints made by a few business owners at the location of the fair the past two years making it a no go for future fairs. Whatever PHHS excuse has for not wanting the fair there, is their decision to make according to Baltimore County rules. Both of these decisions are not the fair planners faults. So we are left with a search for a new location. I would like to know where all the complainers above were when The Patch and Ms. Richardson asked for potential new locations. Most people seem to want the previous locations and that is not going to happen. Its easy to post a complaint and a lot harder to work out all the details of planning including finding a spot large enough to accommodate everyone's special needs. I will be attending in the new location and will welcome seeing all those in the expanded area who choose to attend.

I am writing my letter to the school board about the prohibition on the use of school property to promote a sense of community in one of the few stable neighborhoods in Baltimore County. What a shame the board takes such a shortsighted view of the role of the schools in a community. I will also not be visiting any of the businesses at Honeygo Center, especially Weis and Dunkin Donuts. The fair should have been cancelled this year to put pressure on the school board and those businesses that this area supports.

I just have one word for this.......sad.

If the fair cannot be held within the Perry Hall Community then there shouldn't be a fair. If those who organize it so desparately want to put a fair on then they should change the name to fit their new community and leave Perry Hall out of it.

Don't know that it's makes sense to blame the businesses for not wanting the fair. If it was good for business, they would not complain. It obviously hurt them in the pocketbook, and Maryland already makes it tough for businesses to compete.

They in all likelihood signed leases before knowing about any of this.

Any reason the fair can't be held at Honeygo Park?

Clearly, there is more to the story here. The modifications to the BCPS facilities use rules make it highly unlikely that PHHS administrators could have come up with a reasonable basis for denying use. Below is an excerpt from the opening of the new policy as approved last August 2011:

BCPS and its governing board "recognize that school facilities are an essential component of the communities which they serve." Moreover, "the use of BCPS facilities should only be prohibited when such use interferes with the efficient administration of the educational program."

The policy also includes:

•Provisions to clarify that requesting groups can use school-buildings for craft fairs and other similar fundraising events.
•A new, streamlined application and appeals process.
•New opportunities that allow for-profit groups to use school facilities.

I think that the PHHS option was not seriously considered. To read more about new policy, read my column from last August.

http://perryhall.patch.com/articles/opinion-can-the-town-fair-finally-return-to-perry-hall-high

I agree with Jeff Smith. Let's find out who exactly denied the request for the fair to be at PHHS. And turn up the heat!! This is the PERRY HALL FAIR not LETS JUST PROMOTE THIS ANYWHERE FAIR. What about the area next to the library that has recently been debated. Lots of parking in and around that area and many people could walk as I have done when it was at the high school. There needs to be more transparency when it comes to these important decisions regarding out community. If the fair is located outside of Perry Hall I do believe the name should change as it will then not represent the true Perry Hall fair or its community members. I myself will not be attending for several reasons if it is located outside Perry Hall. What a shame that my children who have been going there since they were babies will no longer have those neighborhood memories. Once again, political propaganda hurts average citizens. I would appreciate the organizers publishing on patch the specific information related to the denial of use of the high school so those of us living in Perry Hall can address it properly. Please reconsider the use of the high school.

I was reluctant to get involved in this discussion, but want to relay some information to clarify what happened. Senator Klausmeier and I both pushed for Perry Hall High School, and we were able to get a permit issued with restrictions. The leadership of the Perry Hall/White Marsh Business Association declined the permit because, in its estimation, these restrictions made the fair unsustainable. For example, the school system refused to allow a moonbounce area, a key element of the children's zone. The School Board is not accountable to any elected official or to the voters, one reason why some of us support either direct elections or local appointment. We have to live with the School Board's decisions.

I personally called Lynn Richardson numerous times over the past two weeks to go over other options, including Perry Hall Square and Honeygo Village Center, but these were ruled out for other reasons.

I helped establish the town fair in 1997 and have very strong feelings about the relocation of this event away from Perry Hall, which I will keep to myself. The decision was made by the Business Association, not by any elected official.

I will support the event as best as I can since profits support Perry Hall-based charities and organizations, and I hope you do as well. I also think it is important to recognize the many hours these volunteers (and Lynn Richardson) expend to make this event possible.

It sounds to me like the members or the Perry Hall / White Marsh Business Association have failed to hear the voice of the community, server their community and all should be impeached from their position! This is ridiculous and I and my family will not attend!

It sounds to me like the members or the Perry Hall / White Marsh Business Association have failed to hear the voice of the community, serve their community and all should be impeached from their position! This is ridiculous and I and my family will not attend!

Welp! I agree with others, this is the dumbest thing ever. What is wrong with the huge empty space at white marsh mall, where Macy's originally was. Plenty of room and plenty of parking. Obviously the leader is not trying hard enough. It sounds just like one of the loser developers. Two I know very well and honestly I have to say they are very greedy men, who are benefiting from all are hard work and money. How about we hold the fair at one of their homes. I know they live in HUGE homes in Kingsville and there would be plenty of space for parking. @ Jim....... they stopped thinking about the community, when they saw their pockets overflowing with our hard earned money. Very greedy men. As for the people at Honeygo Center, what a bunch of whiners. They bitch they don't have customers, then they bitch when there are a ton of customers. Make up your minds you big babies. Makes me sick.

More or less every one opposed of the fact that Town Fare is moving out of town. Obviously this fare then shold nto be called Perry Hall fair. If the town fare is for community, the Business Element has to be taken out of it. It interffears with the greater good of community so often ( 50 more homes next to PH Library, moving the town fare out of town and more..). If PHIA fails to stand by peoples side, then its probably time to start a new committe with some representation from community and organize a new and real townfare wiht in the town. And lets rename the current fare some thing like regionalannual business fare. If anyone interested in taking a lead in this , pl do so, we will have started a real community fare.

It is sad that community members can not put a little inconvenience aside to have a comminity affair. The tenants at the shopping centers that complained, should understand these are the same people who support thier business the other 364 days a year. The exposure these stores will receive will be far better for them than the inconvenience they experience. Seriously, "The Perry Hall, White Marsh Town Fair" being held in Middle River.....doesn't show a great community support system.......

The real issue here is the school board not allowing full use of the high school. They won't allow a moonbounce area, are you kidding me? Like Mr Marks stated elected officials or citizens have no say over what these schools decide. This needs to change. These schools are public property and part of the communities in which we live. A select few of elite school officials should not have so much control over their fiefdoms that not even an elected official has the power to overturn a decision. Elected, hybrid, or something else the makeup of the school board needs to change and become more accountable to the people of which they serve.

As a parent of a young child, I do see the importance of a moon bounce, because let's face if, if your kids have a good time, the parents have a good time. What a strange restriction not to allow a moon bounce, I guess it has to do with safety issues? Anyway, I appreciate your response Councilman Marks it was nice to get some insight on this whole situation.

Lynn Richardson submitted a blog post with additional information on the fair's new location. Richardson: Town Fair Has A New Home is available here: http://patch.com/B-5jD

Why not use Honeygo Park? Walking distance for most and use shuttle buses for those that can't.

I doubt we will go. Out of sight, out of mind. There have been a few years when I've forgotten it's been going on and have driven by and stopped in. That part of Rt. 43 is not in my regular travels.

Very disappointing we won't be attending this year!

further news: The Maryland State Fair is now being renamed the Mid Atlantic Fair and will be held this year in Dover, DE

Wow.

Boycotting the fair prevents Perry Hall businesses and charities from making money.

Crossroads is less than 5 miles from the mall. The contents of the fair itself will likely remain exactly the same.

Is everyone in Perry Hall really so stuck up that they can't possibly cross into Middle River?

Why not buy an insurance rider to allow the moonbounce? That is what PTA's, Scout troops and etc. do when they wish to have one at a school event on school/rec center property. The riders are generally less than $500.00. I am sure the revenue that the fair takes in every year can cover that.

I'm disheartened at the comments on this thread. As someone who has had involvement in previous PH Town Fair planning, I can't begin to explain to all of you the time and effort that goes in by volunteers to hash out the details and make this event happen. I can tell you that every exhaustive effort was put into finding a venue large enough and safe enough to house the event right here and while it might not make sense to us that it can't be here, if you weren't part of the meetings and you are that passionate about it - then get involved! Participate and help - your efforts and feedback are much more helpful in the planning and event stages than they are in this disappointing (and rear end covering by some) thread. And to the Patch: This isn't news.... this is gossip.

While your involvement may or may not have kept it here, you would have a greater appreciation for all that was involved for what went into trying to keep it here. People are making a lot of assumptions without understanding all that was involved - and ALL of the people involved aren't here commenting on the Patch Threads. There is a lot of passion and interest here - which is one of the reasons why I love loving in Perry Hall - people here CARE!!

As a 30 year volunteer with the PH Rec Council I will not ever question the hard work that volunteers do for which they generally are not recognized. However, that said, the decisions made can always be questioned. I think most people on this thread believe it is a Perry Hall Town Fair as I want to remember some folks called Trimble were highly involved in the beginning. We used to call it the Rain Fair, because it always seemed to rain on that Saturday in July!

The reasons given for not locating the fair in Perry Hall seem to be nebulous. If you want people to understand, you have to clearly explain why the PH alternatives did not work. A change of this magnitude was clearly going to result in the backlash you see here. Was Allison Transmission and the business park across the street approached about hosting the fair? It appears they have lots of parking. It's called the White Marsh Mall, but I believe most everyone whether they live in White Marsh or Perry Hall think of us as one. Once you cross Route 40, they no longer think that way.

Hi Everyone,
As a member of the planning committee I'd like to comment on just a few quick things. As Heather S commented, a lot of time, efforts, heartache and headaches go into planning this fair. While nothing is perfect, making fun, criticizing, throwing mud, whatever isn't the right answer...
As a resident of HoneyGo Village, I would love to see the fair return to that location however, that isn't an option at this point. We can pick everything apart good/bad but, let's look at the big picture. This is about the community. Perry Hall/White Marsh. It's about supporting small business, it's about taking your family, kids, grand parents to an event where you can enjoy, be safe and have fun all day.
If the fair didn't exist would you be happy? At the end of the day, it's not really that far away (3 miles). It's a brand new community, let's embrace it. When you bring 13,000 people to an area, business will boom. Just ask Liberatore's or Honey-Go Cafe or Manhattan Grill or Subway.
Maybe it will fail this year and 7 months of planning will go to waist. I sure hope not and hope that everyone commenting can find a little light at the end of the tunnel. Let's not shoot something down when we haven't even given it a chance.

It is about community, Perry Hall/White Marsh community NOT Middle River. Half of the people that litter our community are from the Middle River/Essex area. We dont need them to be a part of this. Its not about distance, its about keeping it in the community. Perry Hall High, HoneyGo, someone in the area...this is blasphemy...I also will not be going this year.

As an alternative to going to the "out-of-town" town fair, I am packing a lunch and taking the family to Honeygo Park for a picnic. If the town fair is about supporting small business in Perry Hall, then why would the small businesses in PH refuse to allow the fair to take place on their parking lot at Honeygo Center? This makes absolutely no sense to me. Am I wrong? Please enlighten me.

Hi Eric,
I question that very thing myself. As a small business owner, I was suprised that a select few didn't welcome us with open arms. That being said, I understand their position, I understand the boards position. Like I said, I for one wanted the fair to to stay at HoneyGo. That isn't reality though. We can argue the point all day, it is what it is.

Supporting small business in Perry Hall is what the fair is about. Last time I checked people in Essex, Middle River, White Marsh, Bel Air, Fallston, Towson, Washington Dc, Lauraville, Hamilton, etc. come to the fair. They spend money at vendor booths, they become customers of a vendor they may have never known existed. A business in Perry Hall. That's GREAT for the community. Small business owners are given the chance to earn customers from any/all demographics, what's wrong with that?

Hi Tim,
Thanks for the response. Not having a fair will only impact a local student who rightfully deserves a scholarship. That's something that I certainly don't want to see go away.

I also love the idea of a large community picnic. What a great way to get out know those in your community. While I understand the need for the Fair to support local businesses, that it not what it was always about. It was about getting everyone out of their homes and getting to know their neighbors. The idea of the picnic could bring the Fair back to its original purpose. I too would happily donated to the talented youth in our Community. It would be my hope that everyone that so generously donate to pad the local politicians campaigns would be as willing to make donations towards the scholarship funds.

The Perry Hall High School Alumni Association is always willing to accept Scholarship donations and we accept them via paypal as well if you are so inclined! PayPall funds can be sent to perryhallalumni@gmail.com and checks can be sent to Perry Hall High School Alumni Association P.O. Box 303 Perry Hall, MD 21128. Last year's event helped us raise $2500 towards our general fund, all of which goes back to the school, much of which goes directly towards student scholarships (donations can be directed specifically towards scholarships). Holding off for a year would not have been something we would have supported, as it would have significantly impacted the students we support. So much good comes from this event.

Just occurred to me: I don't remember any big uproar when somewhere along the line the Perry Hall Town Fair became the Perry Hall/ White Marsh Town Fair.

It seems everyone is upset because Middle River is now included. What if it went the other direction and included Kingsville? Bet people would not be so upset.

It has always been the Perry Hall Town Fair. The Business Association is known as the PH/WM Business Assoc. But, traditionally Perry Hall and White Marsh became almost one in the same with the opening of the White Marsh Mall and Town Center. Kingsville has always been a PH sister community. Middle River is associated more with Essex. That is not a putdown of MR or Essex. It is just a geographic fact. The PH Fair has always been in Perry Hall. It will not be the same community feeling if it is held outside the traditional boundaries of PH.

I think this town fair issue has become too political. "It's all about the children" is what I got from Heather S.'s last comment. What surprises me is that some members of the association seemed shocked to hear such reactions as those posted above. How could they not expect such reactions when they are taking what once was a community event of Perry Hall's and moving it into Middle River? This fair is not about the Perry Hall community or its neighbors, it seems more like its only about the businesses and the revenue they want to generate from the event. I agree with some of the previous posts that if you want to make it a community fair again to show up at Honeygo Park and spend the time with your family to get to know your real neighbors. You can also spend your money at the local shops to support local businesses.

Boycott the businesses who are members of this Business Association! Visit: http://www.phwmba.org/MemberDirectory.html for a listing of its members.
For example, the next time a Perry Hall resident requires automotive services, he or she shouldn't give the business to Klausmeier's. But let the business owner know why you didn't take your car to his business.

No. To get business owners in this organization to rethink the decision they made to move the Perry Hall Fair to Middle River. Decisions have consequences.

I would think that most members of the PHWMBA don't even know this discussion is going on about the fair location or even know of the committee making the decision.

There are enough complaints on this post that those in charge really should do something about changing the location. It definitely should never be in Middle River. It was so nice having it at the high school and closing the road in front of it. Keep the Perry Hall Fair as something that we all look forward to walking around, seeing familiar faces, and taking our kids to. There are enough things in this country being ruined - please don't add the Perry Hall Fair to the list.

As I said in a post above, I still plan to attend the "Town Fair" in the new location. All of the complaining has not changed my opinion on that decision. However, even though this comment is not about the a fair, I would like to state again as I have in the Patch before, good luck on your picnic at Honeygo Regional Park. I go there 2 to 3 times a week and notice more and more dog owners not cleaning up after their dogs - leaving piles all along the paved walkway and scattered in the grass. It stinks, looks horrible and is everywhere. I stick to the walkway when I go there and still have to navigate to avoid stepping on all dog mess. I wouldn't take any children to that park and expose them to all the health risks by allowing them to get near the grass. It is absolutely disgusting.

I wasn't going to answer this post because the answer is so obvious. But I am compelled to do so. The County is worried that the fair would kill the grass, but they're not worried about all the dog feces killing the grass. I think the fair would be far less dangerous to the grass than the dogmess. The local scout troop cleans up and takes care of the fairgrounds every year in exchange for a troop donation. Surely the rec and parks dept could find some volunteers to pick up after the pets. I work with the juvenile court system. There are numerous kids who are court ordered to do community service. A nice weekend in the summer picking up after the dogs would do some of these kids a world of good. You do the crime, you pick up S--t!

I wonder if they looked at blocking off a section of any large roads (still providing access for homeowners) to host the fair in town.

Wow, I don't recall a local decision raising so much local controversy. I must say that I 100% understand why the local residents of Perry Hall would not want to go to Middle River for "their" town fair. It is ridiculous. What does it say about the area of Perry Hall that nowhere could be found to host your own fair. Other areas shut roads down for their fairs and it's not an issue. I can remember going to the Parkville fair as a chiild where they shut Harford Road, a major road, down for the day and it's not an issue. You are telling me that in the entire area of Perry Hall that you couldn't find a parking lot or street you could shut down for a Saturday afternoon??? Does this mean that Perry Hall has over developed it's area to a point that this isn't possible??? Does it mean that the businesses that profit from the community are too selfish to be inconvenienced for an afternoon?? It is sad, very sad. If I recall Crossroads had their own fair last year. Now when people are riding down RT43 that day they will see a fair and have no clue it's for Perry Hall. Then again who in their right mind would think a town fair in one community was actually for another. If the fair is going to remain at crossroads, it needs to lose the "Perry Hall" from the name.

Transparency is just simply missing here through the entire thread. What is wrong with just simply telling everyone exactly what went down at PHHS and Honeygo Village and Honeygo Park? PH reksidents will understand if you give them the truth, but so far little pieces are coming out and no one except the Board knows what went on.

If we cant have the Fair in Mayberry (Perry Hall ) then lets not go. As with any government .....getting too big too many regulations ,whos running this Obama / OweMally ????

Why even go there?

Corey .... Exactly !!! that's what happen, if Owe Mally and Obama are able to blame ,so should we or I in this case .
David Marks ,we always want your input so dont ever stay out of our comments......but we aren't going, to the, Not Perry Hall Fair.