Warren County Fair Board members are allowing at least a glimmer of sunshine in a dreary 2020 by allowing Kissel Entertainment to rent a portion of the fairgrounds to offer a carnival. No fair to go with it, but a carnival. 

After the year we’ve had, something is better than nothing. To name a few of the event cancellations that come to mind: Warren County A&L Fair, Sip and Saveur, Southern Women’s Show, Autumn Street Fair, Main Street Live summer concert series, Park Theater concerts and Viola Valley Homecoming. The list could go on and on and on.

I was informed of the good news an hour after the announcement was placed on Kissel Entertainment’s Facebook page. Upon inspection of that page, the first thing I see is that someone posted a criticism as to why a carnival can be offered and not the entire fair. 

2020 will go down in history as the year of the pandemic and of constant complaining. Complaining is unattractive and detrimental to mental health and happiness. Negativity eliminates the possibility of finding the silver lining.  

I haven’t been happy with 2020 since March, but I’ve tried desperately to make the best of things. This “new normal” is not what I want life to be like. However, I know complaining has never made a situation better. It’s counterproductive. 

While I was not shocked by the person’s negativity, I did shake my head. Fair Board members could have rejected Kissel Entertainment’s offer to rent the grounds. Then, we’d have no carnival to go along with no fair. Because of that, they deserve our gratitude and not criticism for allowing a carnival as an option for people who wish to partake. 

Additionally, a thank you to Kissel Entertainment. I know they wanted to offer this carnival and others because they want and need to stay financially viable during the pandemic. By the Tennessee Association of Fairs website, 42 of the state’s 59 fairs have cancelled for the 2020 season due to COVID-19. I’m thankful that family is making this available. 

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

I can’t change any of what’s going on right now with the pandemic. If I could, then I would. However, I can strive to find a bit of happiness, a silver lining, in a year that was messed up almost from the beginning. Next week, when the sun goes down and the carnival lights come on, you will find me at least one or two of those evenings (Tuesday through Saturday) enjoying a walk through the sights, sounds and laughter. 

My boyfriend, with any luck, will be with me on one of those nights and we can enjoy a bite of carnival food.

Standard reporter Lisa Hobbs can be reached at 473-2191.