A response to concerns about Freedom Fest

Carl Lecroix, Freedom Fest State Fair Inc.
   I am writing in response to Raymond Canter’s April 7 letter pertaining to the site of this year’s Freedom Fest State Fair Inc. (FFSF), as he indicated several inaccuracies that I feel should be addressed so the public does not have a misperception about this event.
   Mr. Canter is correct in that the fair is no longer a fundraiser for the Allentown Presbyterian Church. The FFSF Inc. is now a 501(c)(3) charity, with the fair as one area of fundraising. However, the church still participates as a charitable partner. This means groups may sign up for work assignments as volunteers and their charities share in the profits of the event. To state that the church “does not benefit in any way, nor does any other community charity” is incorrect. Most people who volunteer are local residents dedicated to their charity and take quite seriously their responsibilities. As chairman of the Logistics Committee that includes parking and safety, I work closely with these people and I am truly grateful for their commitment. Some of the local charities that have benefited through the fair include: the Knights of Columbus, UFPTA, UF Redbirds sports, Villages in Partnership and St James Episcopal Church, as well as many business, craft and food vendors. Other 501(c)(3) charities can receive free booths to further their causes, so long as they do not encroach on paying vendors. Each year, the Hope Fire Company and the Allentown Rescue Squad are offered booths free of charge to collect donations and recruit volunteers.
   We do advertise the event as a state fair. This clarifies our agricultural status and clearly differentiates us from other area events such as the County Fair and the Freedom Festival at Mercer County Park. It also opens up many opportunities to bring in a better variety of exhibitors. We had five states represented in our agricultural endeavors last year. We also hope this will lead to major sponsors looking to reach our market. I’m sure our advertising reaches areas farther away than people may be willing to travel to attend a fair, but when attempting to reach the radius we think is close enough, this happens.
   I was unable to find Mr. Cantor’s claim on our website that we expect 70,000 people to attend this event. I hope he will provide us with the location so we can correct this error. While we do plan for a best-case scenario in excess of projected crowds based on prior data, we have never approached half of this attendance. I do not know if Mr. Canter has ever attended the fair, but those who have know by the short waits at the rides and food lines that the crowds are spread throughout each day and hours of operation. Our patrons tend to come at two times. Some come for dinner at the opening of the evening, spend about two hours enjoying the continuing entertainment and midway, and return safely home to put their kids to bed. Others find the allure of the later times, when the midway comes alive against the setting sun, bringing many back to a simpler time. In any case, there has never been an occasion where 4,000 cars were at our fair at one time. Our current location has plenty of parking for our projected attendance. The “vast majority of these people not being members of our community” claim is not true, and those who do come from out of our area are as welcome as anyone else.
   Our parking and safety plans continue to be reviewed with the help of all jurisdictional parties. Yes Mr. Canter, ambulances and fire trucks will have full access and all laws and requirements pertaining to this event will be met.
   Mr. Canter, in the future, you may want to reach out to the leadership of the Fest to make an appointment to discuss any concerns that you might have. This is a group of dedicated volunteers that has been, and remains, committed to providing a safe and friendly family environment at the FFSF festival. The FFSF Inc. is a volunteer supported, 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that preserves and promotes agricultural education and values. They volunteer to produce a first-class six-day fair, including various community and youth-oriented agricultural events, to preserve and promote an understanding of the agricultural industry. The FFSF Inc. is true and committed to its mission of supporting youth, agriculture and community including many local charities.
   We encourage Mr. Canter or any resident to reach out to us at any time. We can be reached at 610-0910.
Carl Lecroix
Freedom Fest State Fair Inc.
Upper Freehold