The Fair family believed in strong family values, unconditional love, and building community. Their simple way of life without the hustle and bustle and big city lights contributed to the development of offering patrons special events to promote the concept of family and community. These events were open to all, well attended, and talked about still to this day. Over the years Country Paradise Park held many special events that supported the community and non-profit organizations. Below is a description of a few of those special memory-making events.
The local fire departments held annual fundraising events such as Battle of The Barrel competitions, Catch the Greased Pig competitions, carnivals, and sponsored World Wrestling matches in the Park. Wrestlers including Andre the Giant, George “The Animal” Steel, Jimmy “Superfly” Snucka, Bruno Sammartino, and others were fan-favorite headliners.
The local Sugarcreek Township Little League baseball teams found a home in the park. One favorite memory was the fundraiser held for the Little League where the Country Paradise Park team played against the Twitty Birds comprised of band members from Nashville’s Conway Twitty Band. Dave Fair (CPP co-owner and little league team manager) pitched the game with the CPP team playing all other positions. After a tie-in 7th ending, it was agreed to call the game. After all the band had a show to do.
Christmas Auctions were held annually to bring in new toys and gifts at below retail price for the local community which was struggling due to the crashing economy of the late 70’s and early ‘80’s. Two of the owners were licensed auctioneers and loved their craft, so CPP hosted various estate auctions throughout the year.
Additionally, Bingo was held under the pavilion to help raise funds for the local volunteer ambulance company.
A few times over the years a superstar out of Nashville would happen to be nearby with an open Friday. or Saturday evening. The Park owners had a great rapport with the Nashville Music managers who would offer these great shows at a special rate. The largest crowd in the history of the park came to see Lynn Anderson perform followed by another event that featured crowd-pleasing Charlie Pride.
The park hosted a parade within the complex that featured local fire departments, high school bands, and even some floats.
Good times and great memories that can never go away…