ocf has seen better days,and was the premier fair of the region in its day. but by no means is it a blank. it is a huge property in the middle of a town that has been struggling economically.
it can be easy to blame management for the condition of the fairgrounds, but after playing it for over 35 years i can tell you, that is not the case. the gurda family works hard to keep the fair going after 169 years.it is not an easy task. ny state and all its strict regulations has got to be one of the toughest states to own and operate a fairgrounds,especially one the size of middletown. the financial burden of keeping up with state regs has got to be enormous.
there are a bunch of shows, and independent operators that are sitting in mud holes right now. i'm sure they would rather be on ocf's paved midways, yet they knock someone else. vivona's a of a was not happy they lost the spot after all those years.i know that to be fact. they have not replaced it with anything better and i was told they would love to go back if the opportunity arose. things change, and most people move on. ocf is not an easy fair to play. conditions are not the best, but if it were easy, anybody could do it.
i spoke to mike yesterday. he is confident he will get everything back on schedule. i wish the best for ocf, mike gurda, strates show, and all indy operators, and any of my friends that may be affected by a possible closing. we all need to work. we all need to eat.
Whenever you find that you are on the side of the majority, it is time to reform.
Mark Twain
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." -- Benjamin Franklin
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