Council approves Cumberland County Fair and Big Bounce America permits for fairgrounds

The Cumberland Town Council on June 16 unanimously approved two major mass‑gathering permits for events at the Cumberland Fairgrounds: the Cumberland County Fair, set for Sept. 21–27, and a Big Bounce America attraction planned for August.

Fair organizers, represented by Ted Guggins, president of the Cumberland Farmers Club, told the council they were grateful for town support following the passing of the fair's former president and said last year’s event was successful. Staff had reviewed the fair application and noted that fire, EMS and police plans were in place. Councilors cited the fair's long history and the organizers' track record; one councilor read crowd‑size history from the application showing annual attendance figures in the 76,000–77,000 range.

Big Bounce America, described to the council as a large inflatable obstacle course, drew more detailed safety questions. Town staff said police, EMS and code enforcement reviewed the application, and that the operator planned a bracelet system to limit crowding and had plans for inclement weather. The application listed parking needs of about 500 cars and indicated a per‑time‑slot cap the town summarized as "up to 900". The applicant's representative, Liz Tarantino of the Farmers Club, said the Big Bounce would be placed in the back parking/field area where prior circuses have been located. Staff told the council they judged EMS staffing sufficient for the event based on anticipated attendance and response times; no dedicated police presence was required for the permit to move forward.

Councilors and members of the public praised the events. The council moved and seconded approval of each permit; both motions passed unanimously.