A VISIT to the annual State Fair in Nicosia no longer features highly on the social calendar.
Gone are the days when a trip to the huge Makedonitissa complex with friends and family was an affair to be looked forward to.
Today the shabby, virtually empty lot serves as a depressing reminder of its former glory.
The public’s disinterest is obvious before you even arrive at the premises. In the past motorists waited in bumper to bumper traffic hoping to find a free parking space, no matter the day of the week. Now residents neighbouring the vast premises say it’s only busy at weekends.
“It’s a dying phenomenon. There are so many other things for people to do. There’s only a lot of interest on Saturday and Sundays when you can’t get anywhere because of the traffic,” said one local resident.
The State Fairs Authority was founded in 1968 and staged the first annual International Fair in 1976. For almost 30 years it proved a roaring success, with thousands flocking through its doors. Then one day, people stopped going and exhibitors started pulling out. It is no longer the ‘big deal’ it once was.
Fifty-year-old Christakis Charalambous has been selling corn on the cob, popcorn and candy floss outside the grounds for the past 26 years. Before that he used to come to the fair with his father who ran a stand selling ‘pombes’ (a fried doughnut-like pastry).
“Before there was a lot of work and hundreds of people stopped to buy something. In the past two or three years it’s been ruined. I think it’s because there are so many other exhibitions now and everyone does their own. There are no cars and no televisions. That’s what most people used to come and see,” he said.
Charalambous said businesses that had chosen to strike out alone and hold their own private open-days had effectively destroyed the institution.
“They haven’t a clue. On Friday there was some business and a bit on Saturday and Sunday. It could be financial crisis, but this year and last year is nothing like it was in the past,” he said.
In real terms from selling 150 packets of popcorn three years ago, this had dropped down to 50 or 80 bags now, he said.
“I still come though because I’ve got to work.”
Once inside the fair grounds the picture was depressing: it was empty and almost gloomy. The pavilions even looked washed out and tired, despite claims of a facelift. It was clear this event was no longer in its prime and people wandering around looked almost bored.
“We came half an hour ago and are leaving. There is nothing to see,” said Pantelakis and Chrystalla Vassiliou.
“There are no exhibitors. We came to see about furniture and other than Fasouliotis there is nothing. Before, you couldn’t even walk it was so busy. Now it’s seriously lacking,” he said.
The couple said they’d been warned by friends the fair was no longer what it had been and said they’d definitely now express the same sentiment to others.
“It’s a total disappointment,” said Chrystalla.
Even the odd outdoor refreshment bars were virtually empty. People weren’t taking pit stops because they weren’t staying long. The event was simply lacking in energy and walking around to visit the pavilions unless looking for something specific felt like a waste of time.
Themis Panayi and her mother-in-law had literally popped in and out for a garden table.
“We got what we wanted and we’re going now,” the mother-in-law said.
Nine month pregnant Panayi said locating the table had been easy.
“To be honest I’ve been left satisfied today. Everything’s gathered together, we found what we want at a better price and now we’re going,” she said.
Anna Korinou’s two children also seemed happy. The eight-year-old and five-year-old nodded their heads fervently when asked if they were having fun. But then again, why wouldn’t they be having a good time? Out with mum and dad at 8pm on a Monday with the promise of a sugar treat to come, what child would say no to that?
Yiannis and Ariadne Neophytou were one of the few people who stopped for a coffee after traipsing around for two hours searching for specialised electrical equipment which they did not find.
“They just don’t have the variety they did in the past. It’s not the same and I’m tired,” said Ariadne.
The couple were leaving with a bag of cashew nuts.
“In the past we would have definitely found what we were looking for. Now it’s just plain rubbish. You can’t find what you want and in fact everything is expensively priced. If you did a bit of market research you’d find what you’re looking for cheaper on the high street,” said Yiannis.
Two other women walking by with their children said they hadn’t been to the fair in years.
“It’s nothing like I remember it. There used to be so many people. Now there is definitely not the same number of visitors. That doesn’t mean the fair isn’t any good though. We’re going to have a little wander and see what is available. Even if the atmosphere isn’t the same it won’t matter as long as the variety is here,” said one.
After spending just under two hours at the grounds, it was time to get out. There didn’t seem to be much to see and even some of the salesmen looked bored.
George Panayiotou, manager of Panart said this was the last year he’d be exhibiting as he wasn’t making a return on his money.
He said: “I haven’t been in years. I came last year and this year and I won’t be back. It’s completely destroyed. There are only half the exhibits there were in the past. The rest are closed. In the past you couldn’t find an empty corner, now its empty indoors and there is nothing outdoors. It’s also cost me €9,500 to have three exhibits. That’s just too much.”
On leaving the fair, passerby Christos Andreou said he had not been to this year and nor would he go.
“It’s €5. That’s €20 to go with my family. I’d rather take them to Kids World where they’ll have a nicer time. Go and see what? It’s not like it was in the past,” Andreou said.
