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‘Stronger than the storm' Franklin-Southampton County Fair returns after severe storm last year
COURTLAND, Va. (WAVY) — The Franklin-Southampton County Fair combines the perfect blend of country music, rides and food every year.
'We have had on this little stage in this little county Brad Paisley, Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum [now Lady A], Jason Aldean on these stages because they were so good. We got them early,' said LeeAnn Williams, Franklin-Southampton County Fair Board. 'We are known for our bands. We're very blessed to have them. That's a big draw.'
The Franklin-Southampton County Fair will return August 6-9, 2025. The food court looks a lot different this year following the first fair cancellation in over 40 years.
'We had to shut down early because of the weather, but never had we not started one that I know of,' said Glenn Joyner, President of the Franklin-Southampton Fair.
NWS: Straight-line winds caused damage to Southampton Co. Fairgrounds
On August 4, 2024, the National Weather Service reported straight-line wind, as strong as a minor tornado, damaged trees and the concession stand.
'The good Lord saved us. We're all OK' Franklin-Southampton County Fair canceled following Sunday storm
Joyner tells 10 On Your Side that he was at the Franklin-Southampton County Queens pageant when he got the call from Midway and set up crews.
'He said, 'Glenn you need to get out here! You need to get here quickly,' said Joyner. 'We got here as quick, as safe as we could. I didn't believe it when I pulled in. The building was turned upside down. There was a sink that we had in the kitchen. It was actually stuck up in the trees. The first couple of weeks, it was just devastation.
Sheriff Josh Wyche Sr., Southampton County Sheriff's Office adds, 'It's one thing when you hear about it and you're coming to it. But when you get here on the grounds, you see the devastation that came through.'
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On May 31, 2025, the first-ever 'Fair Jam' celebration showcased the new food and meeting building.
'It means a lot more than just a food court. It was disappointing that we were able to have a fair last year but gave us an opportunity to see something that we'd never seen before. So many local businesses stepped forward and paired up with the fair and helped us when they didn't have to. It was amazing to see the community come together like that. That was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,' said Bunn.
Longtime Board Member Williams said the new features excite her the most including a new bathroom with air conditioning.
'Now we have a real kitchen with appliances. The building has been painted,' said Williams. 'We're all volunteers. We do it because we love it. If you don't love it, then you don't do it. You know a lot of people, they've come and gone, but us old people, it's probably time for me to go. It's just in my heart!'
Joyner concludes, 'It's been a long, long year on my part because I'm doing a lot of, I've been the middle person getting everything playing, getting everything laid out, getting the contractors lined up. But I never doubted once that we wouldn't have our fair this year because of it!'
'The good Lord is willing. We have good weather this year. We have a good turnout for this year!'
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