Honeygo Village Center Not to Host 2012 Town Fair

Get instant updates on Perry Hall events coverage. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

After a pushed the town fair from in 2009, it found a new home at Honeygo Village Center.

Two years later, however, fair planners no longer feel welcome at the shopping center, said Lynn Richardson, president of the .

Parking disputes and complaints from multiple store owners and managers during the July 9 fair have compelled the planning committee to find a new location for the 2012 , Richardson said.

"If they really think we are harming their businesses, I can't put anyone through that. ... We're about building business," she said. "We will have the fair next year, but I don't know where we're going to go."

This year's record-breaking attendance—estimated at more than 13,000—also brought an increased need for parking. The , , two fields and street parking were reserved to accommodate the influx of fair-goers.

But some parking spaces closest to the fairgrounds were intended only for shopping center customers and workers.

The fair's planning committee prevented fair vendors from parking outside the , Richardson said, but was not responsible for fair attendees who did not follow directions.

Weis Manager Greg Harper confronted Richardson and others about the parking situation during the fair, Richardson said. 

When contacted by Patch, Harper confirmed that he spoke to Richardson but refused to comment on the parking dispute.

William Matthew, owner of the shopping center's  franchise, also confronted fair planners about a parking dispute.

Richardson said store management had agreed to make the entire parking lot available for handicapped parking during the fair, but decided otherwise on the day of the fair.

Matthew said two-thirds of the store's parking was made available for the fair, but the last third was needed for customers and workers. He said he did not receive any increase in business during the fair and would prefer that it does not return to the shopping center. 

"Parking was very poorly handled," Matthew said. "To say we were not cooperative is a lie. I'm saddened we were not able to come to a resolution."

County Councilman David Marks, a member of the fair's planning committee, said he was disappointed by disputes with business owners.

"It's a great location. I would love to come back," Marks said during the fair. "It's unfortunate that a minority of business owners do not want us here."

Patrick Vitek, manager of , located at the corner of the shopping center, said the restaurant took advantage of fair crowds. "It was a hot day—we had a nice crowd in the bar and in the dining area," Vitek said.

"Parking wasn't crazy," he added. "We had to park in a far lot but it wasn't bad."

Richardson said her committee would begin searching for a new location immediately. She hopes the new location will accommodate more attractions, including a water slide and pony rides.