As downtown Clinton readies for one of its biggest traditions, Main Street Director Tyler Wise says this year’s Square Fair promises to be both bigger and better while staying true to its roots as a countywide celebration.
Set for Saturday, Oct. 11, the festival will once again fill downtown streets with vendors, live entertainment, barbecue competitions, and activities for the whole family. To kick off the weekend, the Martin Davis Band will headline a free concert the night before, on Friday, Oct. 10, from 6-8 p.m.
Wise, who has worked closely with both Clinton and Roseboro on community events, said stepping into leadership for Square Fair has been exciting. “I worked in the planning office last year, so this isn’t my first year with the city per se. I was able to see a lot behind the scenes through that opportunity,” she explained. “Working for Roseboro and Clinton, the festivals are different, especially because you have that barbecue factor. But that has been the exciting thing, learning how to do different things. All of it is about giving residents and visitors an opportunity to come to the city, to see the amazing things that we see every day, while also supporting those local entrepreneurs and crafts.”
This year’s vendor list has grown to about 140 booths, up from 121 last year. Wise said that reflects a rising interest from businesses and makers eager to share their talents. “You have vendors making leather belts, people selling barbecue sauces, these are creative families right here in Sampson County,” she said. “They have those maker spaces, and events like Square Fair really highlight what makes Clinton and our county unique.”
Among the biggest draws remains the barbecue cook-off, which filled its 15 available slots within just three weeks. “That is of interest to people, they know how to cook a hog,” Wise said with a smile. “It’s just a sense of pride.”
In addition to food and vendors, festival-goers can expect a car show, live music, and educational exhibits. Local organizations, including civic clubs and advocacy groups, will also be present. “It’s not just a festival,” Wise noted. “You have opportunities to shop, but you also have groups like the NAACP doing voter registration or membership drives. Antique cars, live entertainment, local students, it’s something for everyone.”
This year also brings a special new feature: the ribbon-cutting of the Artway Alleyway, a beautification project made possible through a $49,999 Rural Community Capacity grant. “Seventeen artists designed panels of artwork that can now be found in that alley,” Wise said. “It’s just very beautiful, all the things happening downtown.”
Wise emphasized that while the event is held in Clinton, its purpose reaches across the county. “Square Fair is a festival for everyone,” she said. “It is, I believe, one of the big three. You’ve got A Day, Square Fair, and Roseboro’s BloomFest. We want vendors and visitors from Newton Grove, Garland, Turkey, and beyond. It’s not just a Clinton thing, it’s Sampson County’s day.”
As Clinton and the county continue to grow, Wise said events like Square Fair are more than celebrations. They are investments in the future. “People want to move to communities where things are happening,” she said. “They don’t want to always feel like they’ve got to travel elsewhere. The heart of Clinton is to stay small, you want to know your neighbors, you want to know the people you do business with. But you also want great jobs and opportunities for the next generation.”
Wise credits the teamwork of city staff, volunteers, and community partners with making the event possible. “I can’t take all the credit,” she said. “We’ve got amazing teams working nonstop to make sure everything’s successful. The partnerships are already built. Square Fair has been going on for at least 30 years. There’s always this understanding that in October, it’s going to happen.”
For Wise, success isn’t just about numbers, though she hopes to see thousands in attendance. “I feel like Square Fair has already been a success without the actual event,” she said. “The fact that we have all the partnerships we do, and everybody working so great together, it’s already a win.”
Her message for those still on the fence is simple: “You should show up to Square Fair because it’s Clinton’s day. There is something for every individual to enjoy. You just want to be a part of something great.”
As part of the festivities, the Sampson County History Museum, located at 313 Lisbon St., will also be open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Museum director Joel Rose said the site will be ready to welcome visitors as part of Square Fair. “Admission at the museum is always free and there is something for kids of all ages,” Rose noted.
To make visiting easier, a county shuttle bus will again run between downtown Clinton and the museum. The designated pick-up point will be in front of Sharon’s Diner on Main Street, with drop-off at the museum. The shuttle will depart every 30 minutes throughout the day, carrying guests back and forth between the two locations.