A soft gray sky hovered over downtown Clinton on Saturday morning, but not even the clouds could dim the excitement that filled the air. As the annual Square Fair got underway, the courthouse square came alive with laughter, music, and conversation, drawing hundreds of residents from across Sampson County to celebrate what makes their community special.
By mid-afternoon, a light drizzle began to fall, yet the crowd remained steady. Families gathered under tents and umbrellas, children danced in the streets, and vendors continued sharing their crafts and treats with cheerful determination. The weather may have cooled the day, but it never cooled the spirit of the people who came out to be part of it.
From handmade art and hometown cooking to local nonprofits and civic groups, Square Fair offered a glimpse into the heart of Sampson County. It was an event that connected friends and neighbors while giving organizations and entrepreneurs the chance to showcase their work and missions.
For Dr. Linda Jewell Carr, executive director of the United Way of Sampson County, the Square Fair represents everything that makes Clinton and its surrounding towns shine.
“I love things like Square Fair because it brings together churches and organizations, private entrepreneurs, young and old,” Carr said. “We get to see others’ crafts, their businesses, and just support one another as families and as friends. Things like this bring out the true heart of community, rural America, and the kindness and fellowship of people. It’s just so heartwarming to be a part of.”
The United Way tent drew a steady stream of visitors throughout the day, many stopping to enter a free raffle or learn more about the organization’s annual campaign. Carr said the giveaway was one small way to give back and to remind residents that support and service are always close by.
“We just want to give back to our community and let them know we’re here to support them,” she said. “A free raffle is a great way to bring people over to the tent and say, ‘Join us in our campaign.’ United Way is a service organization, and we are all about being a part of our community and giving back.”
Along the sidewalks, several public agencies joined in the effort to connect with residents. Representatives from Sampson County’s Department of Social Services were busy sharing information about adoption, foster care, and family programs that are available to those who need them.
Kari Phillips, adult and family services program manager, said the outreach was meant to remind people that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
“We’re mostly promoting foster parenting, adoption, and the services we offer,” Phillips said. “Sometimes people are too proud to reach out for help, but we’re here to remind them that we have resources that can help them become more independent and successful, especially during hard times.”
Phillips said the department is expanding its community presence by partnering with the Sampson-Clinton Public Library to host more outreach opportunities. The Square Fair, she added, provided the perfect stage for genuine conversations and awareness.
“We’re here to help,” Phillips said. “That’s what all of this is about. These are services that help others be more independent and find stability when they need it most.”
Meanwhile, the arts took a colorful place in the day’s celebration as volunteers from the Sampson Arts Council and Sampson Middle School invited fairgoers to take part in a hands-on project tied to Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. Visitors were encouraged to create paper flowers in memory of loved ones, part of an upcoming community display planned for early November.
Vanessa Garcia, a Sampson Middle math teacher volunteering with the project, said it was important to share both the meaning and the beauty of the tradition.
“We just want to make sure we’re bringing our culture out there and sharing it,” Garcia said. “A lot of people confuse it with something religious or a holiday, but it’s really just a day to honor your past loved ones.”
Each participant was invited to make two flowers — one to take home and one to donate — as part of the community altar to be displayed during the celebration on Nov. 2.
“It’s been working really well,” Garcia said. “We’ve had people come in and make one to take home and one to donate. We want everyone in Sampson County to be honored. This event gives people the chance to learn, connect, and feel included in something that celebrates love and remembrance.”
As the day continued, the combination of light rain and laughter seemed to only strengthen the feeling of unity. Tyler Wise, Clinton’s Main Street Director, said this year’s Square Fair was one of the most successful yet, thanks to the turnout, the cooperation of vendors, and the enthusiasm of the crowd.
“Square Fair continues to show how strong our sense of community is here in Clinton and across Sampson County,” Wise said. “When you see families walking together, nonprofits sharing their missions, and local artists and entrepreneurs side by side, it’s a perfect snapshot of what makes our town so special.”
Wise added that the positive feedback from participants has been overwhelming, and the day’s success helps build anticipation for the upcoming Barbecue Kickoff and other fall events that continue to draw people downtown.
“The feedback has been incredible,” Wise said. “Events like this bring people downtown and remind everyone that Clinton belongs to all of us. When people come together like this, it strengthens our community in every way.”
By the time the drizzle gave way to evening, the courthouse square was still buzzing with families, music, and conversation. The umbrellas had closed, but the energy remained. For Clinton and all of Sampson County, Square Fair once again proved to be more than a gathering. It was a celebration of unity, pride, and the enduring connections that make this community home.