The Fulton County Fair Association is now accepting vendors for the 17th Annual Spring Fairgrounds Flea Market on April 9th in Salem, Arkansas. The flea market started 19 years ago and was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID, but fair officials hope to be able to have the event this year. The Fulton County Fair has two buildings available and all precautions will be taken to have a safe environment for vendors and attendees. It is a popular event for our area and many vendors return each year with quality items for shoppers.
Inside space is in a climate controlled secure building . Rental fees are Single Space (8 x 10 ft) – $40.00; Double Space (8 x 20 ft) – $60.00; and Triple Space (8 x 30 ft) – $75.00. Outside spaces (12 x 20 ft.) rent for $50. Electricity is available for $10 and tables rent for $5.00 each or vendors may furnish their own tables. A limited number of inside spaces are available. Vendor applications are available online at www.fultoncountyfair.org or an application can be mailed by calling 870-895-5565 or email fultoncountyfair1@gmail.com. Rental fees can also be paid online.
The Salem Chamber of Commerce Community-Wide Yard Sale is scheduled for this date. The two events are advertised statewide and draw a large number of people from north central Arkansas and southern Missouri. The Spring Fairgrounds Flea Market and the Community-Wide Yard Sale provides a bargain hunters paradise and is a great outlet for direct sales consultants. Reserve your space now!
Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late ’60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit.
Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000.
After Drew became director, she took the region to the next level by helping the tourism organization create a new website and moved it from the old newspaper paper tabloid publication to a color magazine format. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Over the years, Drew has helped the organization meet new marketing goals, such as in- and out-of-state marketing, assuring that all 100,000 copies of their magazines are distributed each year.
In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. Drew stays busy at Ozark Gateway as the ad sales manager, magazine editor, day-to-day office operations, trade show representative, and magazine distribution representative, all while ensuring that the region is represented all over Arkansas and southern Missouri.
Drew was featured in several local and statewide publications over the years, as well as the 1997 cover of the Ozark Gateway Region tabloid, along with her then 4-year-old son, Jon. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow.
She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. She now serves as their co-election coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and poll worker training.
Drew is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs’ current membership chair.
In March of 2018, Drew was honored with induction into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame for her many years of dedicated service to the tourism industry.