I’m Going to Miss the Johnson City Field Days

When my stepson Ian was young, we would take him to the Johnson City Field Days every year. The Field Days were always held on Labor Day Weekend and gave kids one last hurrah before school started again.

My wife Chris grew up on Richard Street in Johnson City, which is right across the street from the park. We would drive to her mother's house, park the car there, and walk down the hill to get some food, play some games, and take Ian on the rides.

Regardless of what night we went to the field days, we would always head back to her mother's house on Monday night and set up lawn chairs in the front yard. Every year we would make some popcorn, crack open a few adult beverages, and watch the massive fireworks display over the park.

Chris' mom passed away in 2011, and we've only been back to the Field Days once since. And even though we haven't been there in the last few years, just knowing that they are not going to be held anymore, makes me sad. Not so much for myself, but for the young kids who look forward to going every year.

Our sister station, News Radio 1290 WNBF, reported that the shortage of sponsors, lack of profits, rising costs, and an increase in disturbances, where some of the factors that influenced the committee's decision to discontinue the tradition.

Labor Day weekend in the Binghamton area will not be the same without the Johnson City Field Days.

[via WNBF]