James has joined the Mayor of Hunstanton for the official opening of the Rainbow Park 2022 season.
James was invited by John-Henry & Colleen Roper to open the family-run fairground with all three generations of the family attending; William-Henry who will be 80 next year, Jack-Henry 17, and John-Henry.
Despite the wet weather the launch was supported by the local community including members of Heacham Minors Football Club who are sponsored by Rainbow Park.
After the officially opening the fairground, James enjoyed his time at the park on the dodgems and speaking to Colleen about the season ahead.
Over the past two years James has been working with Colleen,and the Future 4 Fairgrounds group she set up, as well as with the Showmen's Guild, to promote the importance of fairs and showgrounds. That has involved government guidance making clear that fairs are safe places as well as encouraging councils to support discretionary support to help businesses.
Speaking at the opening James said:
"Thank you and though we are unlucky with the weather it is great to be here for the first official opening of the Rainbow Park season. The reason we are here is the drive and enthusiasm that Colleen Roper which I've seen over the past 18 months during Covid working with Future for Fairgrounds. That's been to make clear that fairgrounds are safe, being outside, and to encourage local authorities to use discretion available to them.
Fairs are about fun and making memories. Savages talked about how Frederick Savage's machines delight pleasure-seekers everywhere are we need some pleasure after tough times. So I wish all the operators and workers here a successful season in 2022."
