Many residents of Richmond, Henrico and her surrounding counties have found memories of the State Fair. We remember going when it was located off Laburnum Ave, and most of us can still conjure up the aromas of cotton candy and hot dogs, mixed with the earthy smells emitting from the livestock exhibition buildings.
Today it was announced in the Richmond Times-Dispatch that VASF will be filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. According to President and CEO Curry A. Roberts, this is a one-time financial event, and is a responsible step to take.
Most of the problem is in the repayment of the principal and interest in the organizations' financial portfolio, of which half of the loans have already been repaid since 2007. The drop in the stock market in 2009 was a major factor in creating the financial disparity leading up to the filing today.
The need for VASF to weather this setback is important to all of us in the Richmond Metro area. The State Fair today is so much more than the Agricultural exhibition and carnival it used to be so many years ago.
The location of the Meadow, and Meadow Event Park is more than an attempt at preservation of a beautiful and historic area of Virginia. It is an ongoing showcase of 'Virginia's Green Program' in action.
More than 250 of the 360 acre site has been left open. That open area is used as an outdoor educational classroom for local schools and the instruction is in line with SOL's being taught in our schools.
We wish the organization well, and encourage all residents of Henrico, Chesterfield, Richmond and the surrounding counties to make use of the offerings and events available throughout the year.
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