COUNTY FAIRS ARE MORE THAN FOOD AND FUN

Reader Contribution by Lois Hoffman
Published on August 28, 2019
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I call it that August smell. In the waning days of summer, the aromas of all the ripening produce, crops and weeds lend their aromas into one unique blend that defines this time of year. It also signals the arrival of county fairs that are happening all across the country and rightfully so because it is at this time of year the biggest and best produce get to go to fair too.

The mention of county fairs brings thoughts of fair food, local bands, top entertainers and generally fun times catching up with friends and neighbors. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up between the cotton candy and fried cheese on a stick and forget what this small slice of Americana is really all about.

Nearly every county in the country has a county fair. They have been around longer than the Cooperative Extension Service which was established in the 1900’s. All 4-H is governed by this program.

It takes so much more than most people realize to bring everything together for one week in the summer for a county fair to take place. Fair staff, volunteers and families donate a lot of time and money to organize, promote and run the county gathering each year. As soon as one year’s events are over, the staff start to make improvements and plan for the following year. The fair that most people experience for one week out of their summer is the summation of a whole year’s worth of preparations.

It is easy to walk among the stands and displays and not realize the significance of this one week out of the year for the area’s youth. Only a parent knows actually how much work a child puts forth with his 4-H fair projects.

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