For the first time in more than 40 years, the sights, sounds and smells of a county fair returned to Manning as the Clarendon County Fair drew families to the grounds of Carter-Sullivan American Legion Post 204 last week.
The three-day event, held June 18-20, featured carnival rides, games, food vendors and entertainment, marking what organizers believe is the first fair held in Manning in approximately 47 years.
The fair was organized by members of Carter-Sullivan Post 204, who said the idea grew from years of community members asking whether the fair would ever return.
"One of the things that a lot of people in the community continuously asked was, 'Are you all going to bring the fair back?'" said Post Commander Leon Mack. "Most of the time my response was that would be nice, but I didn't think it was possible."
That changed after the post completed extensive renovations to its facility and an unexpected opportunity arose through a carnival company that had previously participated in the Striped Bass Festival.
Mack said a conversation about providing parking space for the company's recreational vehicles led to discussions about bringing a full carnival to Manning. A scheduling opening eventually made the event possible.
The fair was held on the grounds of the American Legion post at 623 W. Huggins St., with the carnival company providing rides and attractions while Post 204 members handled security and gate operations.
"It costs a lot of money to bring in a fair carnival this size," Mack said. "The turnout will determine whether they will return."
According to organizers, the carnival operator typically prefers multi-year agreements, making this year's event a trial run that could determine whether the fair becomes an annual tradition once again.
Mayor Julia Nelson, who visited the fair and spoke with organizers during a livestream, thanked Post 204 members for their efforts and credited them with bringing a long-missed community event back to the city.
"I want to personally thank you on behalf of the citizens of Manning for everything that you have done for this post, the revitalization, remodeling and everything," Nelson said. "The public deserves to know how this came about."
Organizers said the response from residents exceeded expectations.
Timothy Miller, the post's service officer, said attendance remained strong despite rain during opening night.
"Even with the rain, we still had quite a few people turn out on Thursday," Miller said. "Friday was quite a bit more, and people have continued to come in. We consider this a great turnout for the first time."
