Opening Ceremonies: Fair Brings 'Hometown Feeling' to 'Urban Paradise'

Arlington County Board Chairman Chris Zimmerman said his college-aged daughter recently told him that, to her, the week of the fair is like Christmas.

Zimmerman's remarks came during the opening ceremonies of the 35th annual Arlington County Fair.

The ceremonies, which took place at 6 p.m. Thursday, included many similar sentiments of appreciation and enjoyment from various members of the community. 

The event was hosted by the fair's board of directors, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, and the Arlington County police and fire departments and the sheriff’s office. WJLA meteorologist Bob Ryan served as master of ceremonies.

The evening began with an engaging performance from the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, which was followed by a presentation of colors by the U.S. Army Color Guard and Arlington County Color Guard.

Stirring words followed these stirring actions.

In his remarks, Zimmerman said the fair “is a special part of being an Arlingtonian and growing up in Arlington.”

Tiffany Kudravetz, chairwoman of the fair board, echoed those sentiments and went on to recognize the tireless efforts and support of Vice Chairwoman Amy Doane, the entire all-volunteer fair board, the fair’s donors and sponsors and many more. Kudravetz also noted several of the fair’s programming highlights, including the always popular , the Civil War 150 HistoryMobile, the Harlem Wizards and the Star Family Circus.

“It’s a great way to bring together the community leaders all in one place to celebrate the fair as a community event,” Kudravetz said of the opening ceremonies.

The program ended with a moment of silence and a musical tribute in memory of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Throughout the ceremonies, there was an unmistakable sense of unity present in both the words of the speakers and the attentiveness of the audience.

“This is an important gathering place for the community,” Zimmerman said. “This is like our town square.”

Arlington County Board member Walter Tejada agreed. “In this urban paradise that we call Arlington County, we can still have that hometown feeling,” he said.

The opening ceremonies exemplified how Arlington is more than just a county, it’s a community. And if the Arlington County Fair really is like Christmas, then the fair’s gift to its residents is the gift of unity and togetherness.

Merry Christmas, Arlington.