Methodist College Newspaper
WWW.smalltalkmc.com
Fayetteville, NC
Established 1961
Chris Ryan remembered
HANNAH HAMER
Photo Editor
Photo by Hannah Hamer
During the tribute to Chris Ryan, Senior Rashad Ross horseplays with Ryan’s
youngest son Caleb Ryan who is 4 years old.
The morning of Sept.. 24,
2004, the sun still rose at Meth
odist College. Just one year ago,
the campus mourned the loss of
Student Activity Director Chris
Ryan.
On this sunny Friday after
noon, acquaintances gathered at
Chris’s House to celebrate his
life just as he would have wanted
it. Music played as a home-style
meal was served for those who
hold Ryan’s memory dear to their
hearts.
Ryan’s three sons explored
the house smiling and laughing
with students, alumni, staff, family
and friends. It was obvious that the
light-hearted and carefree nature of
Chris Ryan filled the memorial ser-
NC State Fair opening for fun times in Raleigh
NORMA BRADSHAW
Copy Editor
Funnel cakes, candy apples,
barbecue, face painting, freak
shows, winning prizes, riding rides,
entertainment galore, livestock
judging... this is what the North
Carolina State Fair is all about.
Held for the first time in
1853, the state fair is an annual
October event at which anxious
children gather to experience thrills,
local celebrities meet and greet fans,
young couples fall in love on Ferris
wheels, and one has the opportunity
to see the world’s shortest men and
the world’s largest animals all in the
same day. Several things
have changed, however,
since the first fair was
held in our state capi
tal over 150 years ago.
The first fair,
which lasted only four
days, was performed on
a 16-acre lot by the State
Agricultural Society. A
big breakthrough came
in 1877, when the fair
began to have access to
electricity. Electricity led
way to more technologi
cal advances such as the
first “ride”, the Switchback Rail
way, which was offered in 1891
and photography, which became
a big fair attraction in the 1890’s.
Volume 44, Issue 3
vice. His spirit was ever-present.
Rev. Ben Wells lead a can
dlelit service as loved ones told
stories of their fondest memories of
Ryan. Ryan’s wife, Susan, thanked
students and staff for their support
throughout the past year.
Last September Ryan was
found by student Ashleigh Radford,
who worked with Ryan, uncon
scious in his car beside the Soccer
field. The following evening Ryan
was pronounced death at the age of
41. Several weeks after his death
Public Relations Director Cyn
thia Curtis released information
regarding Ryan’s Cause of death.
Apparently he died from an allergic
reaction to a bee sting.
We will always remember
Chris Ryan as a leader, a director
and a friend. His family are always
in our thoughts and prayers. We
miss you Chris.
ly Hannan Hamer
From the 2003 NC State Fair stuffed animals
litter a game booth for prizes (above) while the
brightly colored Ferris Wheel spins in front of
a dark sky.
Food, which is the soul
reason many people make their
annual fairground trek, began be
ing offered in 1900 as a way for
church and civic groups to host fund
raisers. In 1910, the first airplane
cont. on page 3 See STATE FAIR