The Sunshine Report The Real America... Karen and Jay share thoughts on the power of belief – and how in the end, yes, it all can work out.’ With guest appearance, near the end, by friend, Rhonda Burns, and special thanks to Jim Morrison for his expert videography. In our everyday lives, it’s important to take time to enjoy the simple pleasures. And what could be better than Food Trucks and County Fairs? Either taken together – or separately, these two things are just pure fun. From the time I was a little boy, going to the local, county, or even state fair has brought me immense joy. Immediately the smell of popcorn, cotton candy and especially the smell of fried dough, along with the sounds of music and people on amusement rides come to mind. Across the US, fairs have long been gatherings that bring people and communities together to celebrate the unique offerings that a town, region, or state have to offer. Not only that, they’re also incredible sources of commerce for local businesses, helping drive new connections that can drive growth and prosperity. Right here in New Hampshire, the Deerfield Fair, the Hopkinton Fair, and the Cornish Fair, among others – all bring thousands of visitors. I’m reminded of a story I was once told by a farmer while I was on the road in the Midwest about just how formative and important fairs had been to his life. From a young age, state and county fairs were a mainstay in his family, namely because it was where they were able to do most of their business for the year and see many friends they typically only get to see once or twice a year. He shared how keeping their livestock healthy and fed throughout the year taught him some important, and sometimes hard lessons in responsibility. Not only that, but it taught him about the importance of community and how giving back actually helps pay it forward. Many of his longest relationships, dating back to when he was a child, started right there at his local county fair and the bonds they share continue to pay dividends, personally and professionally.  Whether you’re a food truck enthusiast, a thrill seeker, looking to learn more about how to get involved in your community, and more, fairs have been a resilient staple of American culture. In the advent of theme parks, resorts, and some of the other luxuries that have developed and evolved over the last hundred years, fairs have stood the test of time. A few years back when the state of California was facing a budget deficit, then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger tried to sell public fairgrounds as a means of raising much needed cash, yet public opposition was so strong his efforts ultimately didn’t succeed. Fairs offer a forum that not only creates opportunities for commerce, supporting farmers, restaurants, artists, and bringing in important revenue from fairgoers, but even more importantly, create life-long memories for families and friends that make life just a little bit sweeter. Read The Report The ‘New’ Ice Cream Truck - Food Trucks!   Read More There’s Nothing Better than New England County Fairs! Read More Positive Profile of the Week: Gene Cassidy – The ‘Big E’ Man! This week we are delighted to highlight a true New England leader in the ‘county fair’ and volunteer sector – Gene Cassidy. Born and raised in West Springfield, Massachusetts, Gene Cassidy grew up with the Eastern States Exposition (ESE) in his backyard. With over a 107-year tradition, the ESE, fondly known as the Big E, is the largest fair in New England and the 4th largest fair in the United States. The fair represents all six of the New England states and has approximately a million and a half people attending the fair annually during the 17 days it is open in late September. Starting his career as a public accountant, Gene became the CFO of the fair in 1992, then later the CEO in 2012. He is responsible to the board of trustees, which is a collection of trustees from the six states of Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Gene not only represents the food and fun as the CEO but also ensures the agricultural roots that the fair was built on are kept alive. The fair started as a location for cattle shows to be brought back from the Midwest to New England and to showcase the best practices of agriculture. The fair then grew to add tourism, music, rides, and food. The fairgrounds are operational year-round for conferences, festivals, and shows. Gene has a generous heart, and truly embracing the excitement of going to a fair, he has given support to the youth organizations that present at the fair. He spends most of his time as CEO promoting the fair and the best of the New England states nationally and internationally, recently becoming the Chair of the International Association of Fairs and Expos. He even connected the “sister city” of Dingle, Ireland, to West Springfield, Mass., to promote its Irish craftsmanship to the region due to the high Irish population in the West Springfield area. If you make your way to the Big E, you will most likely see him roaming the fairground, greeting guests and vendors at the best fair in New England. Thanks, Gene, for keeping alive a fall tradition that’s been enjoyed by millions for over a century! Check out the Big E at www.easternstatesexposition.com. Quote of the Week "County fairs are the heart and soul of the real America, where generations gather to celebrate the simple joys of life."  – Unknown     Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us  Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Jay Lucas | 7 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]