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DUKE CARTER
CARLISLE EVENTS COMMENCES THE 2010 SEASON WITH A LITTLE LESS SUNSHINE
On March 10, 2010, the world lost a special
person. With a wealth of loved ones
around him, Donald Lee “Duke” Carter Sr.
passed away at the age of 80.
You may recall over the last 35 years
that Duke was a mainstay at our events
feeding countless patrons at the grandstand
as well as at his concessions
throughout the grounds. Duke’s tenure
at the Carlisle Fairgrounds started
in 1975 when the Carlisle Events caterer
pulled out of the car show season
just days before the opening day. Duke
stepped in and led the charge up to and
through the 2009 season.
Our own Bill Miller Jr., co-founder of
Carlisle Events, commented to a local
paper (Patriot-News, March 13, 2010)
that “[Duke] was a self-made businessperson
who worked extra hard. He was
very personable and really took care of
BILL MILLER JR., DON CARTER,
DUKE CARTER & CHIP MILLER
his customers and made sure they got a
real value for their money.” Bill went on
to comment, “That is what has made [the
Carter family] successful here and at their
restaurants.”
With his natural entrepreneurial
spirit, straight-forwardness, tenacity and
diligent work ethic, Duke was a successful
businessperson not only growing
Carter’s Concessions but also owning/
operating other establishments such as
The Silver Springs Flea Market and four
active restaurants.
Many of our long-time vendors will
remember Duke standing out in front of
the food court wearing a Marine cap and
blowing his whistle like a drill sergeant
to keep the long food line moving. Diane
Vaughn, Carlisle Events’ Director of Customer
Relations stated, “Duke was such a
character. He’d take great pleasure playing
the tough guy with new employees
but underneath was one of the biggest
hearts around. He was a great friend and
mentor to so many people, including
most of us at the fairgrounds. I can’t tell
you how much we will miss him.”
So this weekend when you’re walking
past the food court, be sure to give our
friend a skyward wink of the eye.
You are missed, Duke.
CarlisleEvents.com / SPRING CARLISLE 2010 / 13