Planning for the Town Fair—which generated a passionate response from community members last year, after losing "Perry Hall/White Marsh" from its title and moving to a Middle River zip code—is already underway.
The 17th annual fair is scheduled for Saturday, July 13 for a second year at Baltimore Crossroads @95, according to fair organizer and president of the Perry Hall/White Marsh Business Association Lynn Richardson.
Richardson urges community members to get involved in the planning process. The committee's first meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Jan. 28 at Madison Square Federal Savings Bank in Perry Hall.
"I encourage anyone who wants input for the fair to join us ... The retailers and property owners have indicated that they are looking forward to having us back," Richardson said.
Baltimore Crossroads @95 is a mixed-use business center located along White Marsh Boulevard in a Middle River zip code, although some consider that area to be included in White Marsh. The Crossroads complex is home to the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce, which represents the White Marsh, Essex and Middle River area.
Many attendees of the 2012 fair praised its wide open space and regional appeal, with attractions including over 200 vendors, several live bands and a petting zoo. Still, others complained that it had lost its small-town feel and sense of Perry Hall pride.
The Perry Hall Improvement Association's sponsorship of the Perry Hall Apple Festival in September 2012 was in part a response to the departure of the town fair, PHIA volunteers said.
The 2010 and 2011 Perry Hall/White Marsh Town Fairs were held at Honeygo Village Center in Perry Hall, and while the 2011 fair brought record-breaking attendance, estimated at more than 13,000, it also caused parking problems and led to disputes with some shopping center tenants.
Some community members had lobbied for the fair to return to its former location on the grounds of Perry Hall High School, where it had been ousted in 2009 with the enforcement of a controversial Baltimore County facilities use rule. But even with a rule revision, Richardson said restrictions were too great accommodate the fair. Previous fairs had also been held at Perry Hall Middle School and area public parks.
Richardson repeatedly praised Baltimore Crossroads @95 management for welcoming the fair and allowing a full range of entertainment, attractions and vendors to participate.
Share your experience from the 2012 Town Fair in the comments.
I went last year with my kids. it was well run and had plenty of interesting vendors. The live music was excellent. How many events can you attended with out having to blow a double wad of cash. Don't be a whiner! Go to the fair.
Other Tim: Follow the money.
#1 This is NOT my first post on Patch. There are multiple editions of Patch for various locations and I can't imagine that anyone has the time to sit down and read every comment for every article! #2 My account is not a bogus one. It's one that I have used for many years. You are correct that it's not my real name. But I'm pretty sure that John Doe & Spring Heeled Jack aren't real names either! #3 I am NOT Lynn Richardson, nor am I a member of PHBA. I do know Lynn and have known, and respected, her for several years. #4 I've been a vendor at the Perry Hall Town Fair for many years, which is the reason that I stand behind my beliefs. I was a vendor when it was on Ebeneezer Road, Honeygo Blvd, and last year when it was at Crossroads and renamed the Town Fair. From both a vendor and attendee perspective, it is MY OPINION that this is by far the best location. The parking is more than adequate, with shuttle buses to take you from your vehicle to the fair itself. The streets are wide so its easy for vendors to set up and break down. The wider streets also make it easier for attendees to walk around and really get to enjoy the fair. #5 As a vendor, I've seen the amount of work that is put into this fair BY VOLUNTEERS for the enjoyment of ALL. For this they should be commended, not condemned! Maybe it would be better if these folks just caved to the criticism and ceased to have the fair at all!
I feel (among many others in the community); however, that the fair was moved for "other" reasons then Mrs. Richardson's complaints posted on the Patch last summer. She claimed: No available local space (False), no parking (False), and bad traffic problems (False). Some local plazas and White Marsh Mall; ALL said they were never approached last year by the PHBA about hosting the local fair. #1 Ask Jessica Benson about WMM's position. #2 What about the Avenue? They have held many large events there and will shut down the entire main street to promote events. #3 WMM or the Avenue would have plenty of space and tons on site parking, shuttles, park and ride, bus routes, plus some locals could walk over, and the police station is close. (For this event with added police directing traffic will address traffic issues.) #4 These locations would actually be in the direct presence of 100's of local businesses; including, local restaurants (which always need added business). Local businesses would also get heavy foot traffic into their stores on that day. Which in turn would reflect the purpose of the fair (to promote local businesses). #5 I know many vendors at the fair also. I found them to be 50/50 on the Baltimore Crossroads location. Half said, "It stunk for cash sales". Half said, "It was fine for promoting services (banks, home improvements and such)."
That said, user name karebare7510 tied to whatever email address you have has only posted twice on the Patch. The Patch shows the history of all posts made by you. Your history shows a total of two. How do I know, I click on your name. It shows your history of commenting. I'll let others listen to your explanations. Perhaps a Patch editor has a different explanation.
ps - FIFA, I have used this username to post on many other occasions. HOWEVER, my e-mail address had changed since I last used it so I had to create a new account using the new email. Have a great weekend!
But "denial" is not a river in Egypt. A simple search in the search bar using "karebare7510" now shows a total of 3 posts. Honesty is the best policy it leads to credibility. But I am not here to judge your motives, but the earlier poster apparently searched and found the same. Have a great weekend yourself, I wish you success at the Fair, whomever you are.
PS: Has anyone informed Jessica Benson (WMM) or the GM of The Avenue or the GM of Perryhall Shopping Center about attending and conveying their incite as to why they denied Lynn Richardson the fair last year and apparently this year to host a fair to promote LOCAL Businesses?
It's too bad she's tired of the complainers. That stuff happens when you give NO REASON other then some canned excuse to hijack our town fair and deliver it to Middle River. See, this quote for you is exactly what's wrong: "I don't remember any of the vendors complaining, only the people who think a couple more miles to drive is an inconvenience." You, like Lynn, seem to have forgotten what this Town Fair is about.