Volunteers at the Knights of Columbus, “Abe’s Place”,pictured left to right, are Karen Alvarec, Jose & Janette Cantera (with baby Jared), Fidelio Gonzalez, Nancy & Frank Kopenec, Bob Burkhardt, and Mary & Eric Stockham.

    It was in 1983 that the Oasis Temple of Charlotte Shriners Club built ,what is now a famous landmark at the fair. It’s the “Shriners food court” that features their famous fez hat with a gold tassel on top of the building. Year after year, folks came to what initially got started as a ham biscuit place. Now, the Shriners offer a full service food court and offer a bigger menu. All the volunteers embody the Shriner slogan: “No Man Stands So Tall as When He Stoops to Help A Child”. 

  Shriners Hospitals for Children® is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay. 

     Five years ago, another organization started a charitable food stand. The Knights of Columbus Council  # 11946 of St. Mary’s Catholic Church started what was to be finally named “Abe’s Place”. The name coming from a Lawndale resident, a member of the Knights, who was killed in Iraq. They too, give all proceeds locally to help those in need. Their main recipient is North Shelby School. The Battered Women’s Shelter, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Special Olympics and Seminary programs also receive the Knights monetary help.

    Both these thoughtful and giving organizations have become proud additions, not only to the fair, but to  Cleveland County as a whole. To all the volunteers that make our Fair meaningful we offer each of you a  heartfelt thanks.