The council had declared in June that the outfield at Memorial Field should not be used anymore for non-athletic purposes. The city has begun the process of upgrading the field for high school and summer baseball.

The fair board didn't become aware of the council's decision until a few weeks ago. They had been planning to relocate this year's carnival in the outfield after trying a different location last year.

The situation could have become divisive, but in the end clearer heads prevailed. The fair will get to use the field one more year and now has time to plan something different for next year. In turn, the fair board has offered to repair any damage that might occur to the field during the fair.

That kind of cooperation benefits everyone. -DR