x
Breaking News
More () »

After Nazi Flag Controversy, Questions Over What Is Offensive at Bloomsburg Fair

BLOOMSBURG — The Bloomsburg Fair is a family fair. So fair officials say when they got word Nazi flags were being displayed by a vendor, they had the vend...
bloom-fair

BLOOMSBURG -- The Bloomsburg Fair is a family fair. So fair officials say when they got word Nazi flags were being displayed by a vendor, they had the vendor remove them. When they learned the vendor was a registered sex offender, he was asked to leave, and he did.

Fair officials say with about 800 vendors, they can't do background checks unless there's a specific issue or complaint.

"Oh, it's impossible, and if you started background checks on everyone that came in, you may not have a fair,” said President Paul Reichart.

Fair officials also say there are no written guidelines for merchandise, but again, if there's a complaint, they will investigate on a case-by-case basis.

"This isn't the place to be showing the Nazi flag. It is offensive to other people. It has a lot of meaning behind it, so, I thought it shouldn't be shown,” said Keith McLane of Pottsville.

Some people Newswatch 16 spoke with say they actually find some profanity and images they've seen here at the fair more offensive than that Nazi flag.

"As far as I am concerned, if he had permission to begin with the Bloomsburg Fair, paid for his booth, they should have recognized what he was selling in the first place. I have no problem with what he was selling. I'm not offended easily,” said John Swink of Winfield.

The vendor next to the man who was displaying the Nazi flag is Jewish and says he was shocked the man had to leave the fair. He sells t-shirts, some of which have profanity on them and says he keeps them in the back of his tent and if there are ever complaints, he simply takes them down.

Confederate flags are displayed at various spots throughout the fair, too, but most people Newswatch 16 spoke with had no problem with those, compared to the Nazi flag.

"I think that's a part of United States history. I think that that should be allowed. That's part of our history in the United States. Nazism isn't part of United States history," said Sandy McLane of Pottsville.

Before You Leave, Check This Out