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The familiar sight of carnival rides off the interstate in Lubbock was a welcome addition to 2020. But it almost didn't happen.

I have to give it up to the South Plains Fair for adding some fun to the fall. This is normally an expected thing, but few know the trouble the fair folks went to in order to put on this year's event.

I don't have 100 percent of the details, but those were not the carnival rides you were supposed to get. The fair had to change ride operators with just weeks before the event when the originally booked attractions provider unexpectedly canceled.

Fair officials actually pulled out a heroic Hail Mary pass to make this year's event happen, and they deserve some credit for their never-say-die attitude this year.

Also deserving of some applause are the vendors who stepped up to the plate and executed a wide-array of our favorite fair feasts. This is not to say that the vendors who couldn't make it are bad, but the ones who set up were taking a huge chance with the inventory they bought and having personnel on the scene.

I have to say to everyone who bit their tongue and didn't reveal this changes are pretty special, too. No one wanted to portray these attractions as less than what was expected or that there was less available. I personally think it was a miraculous showing considering the hustling behind the scenes. I hope the ride operator who helped the show go on is rewarded with another booking.

There are certain things that make Lubbock, well...Lubbock. I'd have to go with Texas Tech tailgating, prairie dogs, Buddy Holly and the South Plains Fair. Congratulations to everyone who made this year's event happen.


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