Today, May 15, Ledyard residents will vote whether to sell Ledyard Elementary School to a developer who will turn it, and the land surrounding it, into "mixed use development." Sadly, the sale of the school includes the town fairgrounds, public land that has been the site for the annual Ledyard Town Fair for 75 years. 

No provisions were made to relocate a fair that may not be a big money maker but is, according to the Association of Connecticut Fairs, one of only five agricultural fairs in New London County, and is the district fair for our region. Agricultural fairs are an important part of the culture and business of family farms. They are a vehicle for young and old to showcase their animals, vegetables, baked goods or crafts. The Ledyard Fair benefits Ledyard High School's vocational Agri-science program, the only one in the region. 

The sale of the fairgrounds is near certain, but the future of the Ledyard Fair is unknown. I therefore urge all Ledyard residents to stay involved in this issue. Advocate to use the proceeds of the sale of the elementary school to relocate the fair.

Preserve this important tradition for the town of Ledyard.

Laurie Gorham

Ledyard