Matt Richards is ready to enjoy the Arlington County Fair this year, which takes place from August 13 to 17 at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center.
After five years serving as chair of the Arlington County Fair Board, Richards finds himself in a unique position: for the first time, he can relax and enjoy the event, thanks to a new partnership with the Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation.
This collaboration aims to alleviate the challenges of running a large-scale event that has seen significant attendance growth over recent years.
Richards explains, “Over five years, we’ve more than doubled the attendance. As a volunteer organization, we can’t handle it logistically. Now, we can focus more on the competitive exhibits, like who has the biggest tomato or the biggest cucumber.”
The transition to a more structured relationship with the county has been a positive step for the fair’s all-volunteer board.
Jerusalem Solomon, the communications and engagement manager for the Department of Parks and Recreation, echoed these sentiments during a recent interview.
She noted, “I’ve known Matt for many years, so it’s a soft transition. The learning curve is high… but it truly is a great partnership.”
The partnership has led to some exciting changes for this year’s fair, including the introduction of a new beer garden in the upper field of the fairgrounds.
Richards highlighted that the arrangement is a long time coming, stating, “For five years, we’ve been trying to make the beer garden more integrated with the fair so you can have a beer, your kid can go on the rides, it can all be coalesced together.”
With Arlington County’s assistance in altering local ordinances, the beer garden is now positioned on the fairgrounds.
As the beer garden moves, the fair organizers are hopeful that it will alleviate transportation issues that the event has faced in the past.
Solomon remarked, “Moving the beer garden frees up space on Second Street, leading to better two-way traffic, an improved shuttle experience, and less need for traffic enforcement.”
Attendees are strongly encouraged to utilize shuttles rather than drive due to the limited parking at the venue.
One of the free shuttles will operate directly from the Ballston Mall parking garage to the fair, ensuring easy access for visitors.
In a pet-friendly twist, dogs are allowed on the fairgrounds as long as they are leashed, though only service animals may board shuttles or enter indoor spaces.
Ultimately, both Richards and Solomon express their commitment to creating a safe, enjoyable, and accessible event for the community.
Richards shared his excitement for the new changes, stating, “For us, what matters most is a safe, fun, as free a possible event for the community. We can execute on that mission more now that a professional group of great people are taking responsibilities off our plate.
So I’m looking forward to taking a break on Saturday and having beers in the beer garden.”
image source from：arlnow
