Group Tells NYS Fairs To Stop Selling ‘Racist’ Merchandise

State and county fairs are a big deal around the Capital Region and continue to be a lightning rod of sorts.  Most recently, a group is calling for all 52 county fairs across New York state to stop the sale and display of a symbol they say represents 'slavery, racism and hate.'  Surely you've seen them, are you personally offended?

Just a few weeks ago a Ballston Spa 7 year old had his lemonade stand shut down when competing vendors across the street at the Saratoga County Fair complained about his low prices.  Sour lemons? Perhaps.  But without a permit, he was abruptly told to close up shop.

According to NewYorkUpstate.com, the group - based in Delaware County -  is calling for all 52 county fairs across New York state to stop the sale and display of Confederate flags, a symbol they say of slavery, racism and hate. 

The flags were the symbol of the Confederate South during the U.S. Civil War.  States that seceded did so on the principle that black people were inferior to white people and should therefore continue to be enslaved. 

A spokesman for Fair For All, said the issue is not just about the flag but also whether county fairs are welcoming to people who aren't white. He said attendance at the Delaware County Fair, for example, is disproportionately white. He stopped going a few years ago. 

"Hate spoils the fun," he said. "We want a public gathering, but we want it for everybody."