Confederate Flags to be banned at the Chenango County Fair
A display stand has both the recently retired Mississippi state flag, left, and the magnolia centered banner that was chosen by the Mississippi State Flag Commission stickers for sale at A Complete Flag Source store in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. Voters will have the opportunity to select the "In God We Trust" flag as the new Mississippi State Flag or reject it on the Nov. 3 ballot. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
NORWICH – The Chenango County Agricultural Society recently announced that offensive flags, including the Confederate Flag, are no longer allowed at the Chenango County Fair due to public safety concerns.
According to Chenango County Agricultural Society President Mary C. Weidman, the Chenango County Agricultural Society is proud to host the Chenango County Fair which showcases the agricultural and horticultural exhibits of Chenango County.
“We do all that we can to foster a fun and educational atmosphere of inclusion, tolerance and respect for our fair attendees,” said Weidman. “We request that vendors refrain from selling or displaying products that may offend or those that may pose a public health or safety concern. Our vendors will have contractual requirements to comply with that request.”
“We stand firm against bias of all kinds at our fair and want to represent the best of Chenango County.”
Weidman said the change took place after activist group, The People’s Movement for Equality Representatives, lobbied fair officials.
Group member Amanda Mills, spoke with the board to discuss why the move was warranted.
When asked about decision, Mills said removing flags like the Confederate Flag is a win for everyone.
“This symbol holds the history of slavery and rebellion, representing a horrible place in our past,” said Mills. “Simply banning the retail sale of the Confederate Flag in our county fair shows that we will not stand for racism.”
“The confederate flag is a symbol of hate, and its presence at the county fair, particularly at the entrance where it has traditionally been sold, makes a statement as to who is not welcome there.”
She said Chenango County should stand for equality, and “if that means taking away some things to help us get to the goal, then we should do so.”
“Many individuals and groups have put in hard work to be heard by the fair board about this issue,” said Mills. “Chenango Links has been writing letters and spreading awareness for years.”
“Fair for All, in Delaware County, was also helpful.”
Mills said the Fair for All group is still trying to get the flag banned at the Delaware County fair. She said in the meantime Chenango County has made excellent progress, and she appreciates the efforts of the Chenango County Agricultural Society to make the Chenango County Fair inclusive for everyone.
“We hope to see more steps towards equality in the future in Chenango County,” she added.
According to Chenango County Agricultural Society President Mary C. Weidman, the Chenango County Agricultural Society is proud to host the Chenango County Fair which showcases the agricultural and horticultural exhibits of Chenango County.
“We do all that we can to foster a fun and educational atmosphere of inclusion, tolerance and respect for our fair attendees,” said Weidman. “We request that vendors refrain from selling or displaying products that may offend or those that may pose a public health or safety concern. Our vendors will have contractual requirements to comply with that request.”
“We stand firm against bias of all kinds at our fair and want to represent the best of Chenango County.”
Weidman said the change took place after activist group, The People’s Movement for Equality Representatives, lobbied fair officials.
Group member Amanda Mills, spoke with the board to discuss why the move was warranted.
When asked about decision, Mills said removing flags like the Confederate Flag is a win for everyone.
“This symbol holds the history of slavery and rebellion, representing a horrible place in our past,” said Mills. “Simply banning the retail sale of the Confederate Flag in our county fair shows that we will not stand for racism.”
“The confederate flag is a symbol of hate, and its presence at the county fair, particularly at the entrance where it has traditionally been sold, makes a statement as to who is not welcome there.”
She said Chenango County should stand for equality, and “if that means taking away some things to help us get to the goal, then we should do so.”
“Many individuals and groups have put in hard work to be heard by the fair board about this issue,” said Mills. “Chenango Links has been writing letters and spreading awareness for years.”
“Fair for All, in Delaware County, was also helpful.”
Mills said the Fair for All group is still trying to get the flag banned at the Delaware County fair. She said in the meantime Chenango County has made excellent progress, and she appreciates the efforts of the Chenango County Agricultural Society to make the Chenango County Fair inclusive for everyone.
“We hope to see more steps towards equality in the future in Chenango County,” she added.
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