Fighting Tobacco at the Fair

Source from:  rutlandherald.com September 15, 2007  09/17/2007

The Rutland Area Prevention Coalition (RAP) and TEPCO - Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition - were proud partners with the Rutland County Agricultural Society in "Bringing You a Smoke-Free Fair" this year. The 162nd Vermont State Fair (Aug. 31-Sept. 9) featured 10 designated smoking areas spread out around the fairgrounds. These tents, under which there are benches and cigarette urns for smokers' use, were sponsored by area businesses and organizations which support clean air for patrons of the fair of all ages, while accommodating the needs of those who presently do smoke tobacco. "Bringing You a Smoke-Free Fair" sponsors included Rutland Regional Medical Center's "Ready, Set...Stop!" program, Diamond Run Mall, Beauchamp and O'Rourke Pharmacy, the RAP Coalition, Rutland Area Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, and the Vermont State Fair itself. Cards explaining the smoke-free policy were handed out to patrons at the gates of the fair, courtesy of Catamount Radio stations Mix 98.1 WJJR-FM and Z-97 WZRT-FM. RAP and TEPCO are very grateful for all the sponsors' generous support for this project. It is particularly important for children, elders, and persons with breathing difficulties such as asthma to avoid exposure to second-hand smoke. Limiting smoking to designated areas aids in protecting those fair patrons, and enhances enjoyment of the fair for many others. We have had marvelous response from fairgoers - smokers and nonsmokers alike. The Vermont State Fair joins many fairs, theme parks and zoos nationwide - including Vermont's Addison County Fair and Field Days - in adopting a smoke-free policy. TEPCO is a group (in existence since 2001) of local professionals and volunteers dedicated to decreasing tobacco use in Rutland County. RAP's mission since 1997 has been to mobilize the community in the prevention of substance abuse, through education and the promotion of healthy lifestyle choices. Both groups extend heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Richard Rivers and all involved in the fair on behalf of the wider community. Enditem