NELLY: Some fair questions

I really appreciated the Sunday editorial about the well-known rapper, Nelly, who is entertaining at our fair this year. Seems there has been quite a bit of controversy over this. Understandably so, anytime there is a change in what is the norm.

One thing I appreciated about the editorial was there was no mention of race! Bingo! The controversy is NOT about race even though there’s a whole lot of people being called “racist” on social media, should one be bold enough to complain. In truth, the concerns from those complaining are over language and content for what has always been a family-friendly event.

The editor cited many important statistics regarding attendance. Personally, I had wondered how many attending this year would be from nearby Spokane. Turns out it isn’t the majority. But rather the majority are women and people from Kootenai County in a specific age group.

The stats did miss one important question, however, to be truly effective. And that is this: “How many of you attending the Nelly concert this year attend our county fair every year?” Or, “How many of you are attending the fair this year, primarily to see Nelly?”

Only those types of questions will determine whether or not Nelly will change the long held traditions and dynamics of our fair with which so many are concerned.

Nelly may bring revenue with a sold-out concert, but to whom are we now catering? Regulars? Families? Or rap-loving, middle-aged women? But I see change on the horizon. I know we want to increase fair numbers, but with everything going on in our communities, right now, I long for tradition.

JAN CONNER

Kootenai County