Vandals cause $150K worth of damage at Burke County Fairgrounds, officials say WSOC TV

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Investigators in Morganton are searching for vandals who are accused of causing $150,000 in damage over the weekend at the Burke County Fairgrounds.

The president of the Burke County Fair, Shandy Gossett, said the vandals damaged doors, appliances, and bathrooms.

Antisemitic graffiti, displaying swastikas, was also found at the fairgrounds.

It’s concerning, said Chief Jason Whisnant, Morganton Public Safety.

“Especially if it’s targeting a specific group, but with that being the fairgrounds, I don’t know if that’s the case,” he said.

Gossett said gasoline was poured into the livestock building where someone tried to set it on fire.

“It was gut-wrenching Gossett said. “It was heartbreaking. We’ve been working so hard over the last year just trying to get it up and going and have a fair here again.”

Gossett said they have been holding events in the exhibit hall, including weddings, birthday parties, and a fall festival.

Now many of the windows are boarded up and events have been put on hold.

“It’s devastating to everyone,” Gossett said.

Officials told Channel 9 that the grounds were set to host its first fair in seven years. Now, they are raising money in order to make repairs.

Gossett said the community can help by donating here.

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