The County Fair is…
By Judy Parsons, 4-H Youth Development Agent
The county fair season is done and everyone is in back-to-school mode. What a crazy time of year. Everyone chasing those Grand Champion buckles and ribbons.
Awards, awards, awards! Is that what the fair is all about? No, 4-H is more than ribbons and awards. Here are a few things that 4-H is about.
It’s about:
- The People – the County Fair is about meeting up and spending time with our friends and neighbors. We come together to eat and have fun. It is play time for youth and adults alike. It is a summer celebration party for everyone to enjoy.
- The Experiences – the County Fair provides all types of learning experiences. There are hands-on experiences. During consultation judging, youth receive valuable tips to improve their work. Youth also experience the end to projects at livestock sales only to start looking for their next year’s project. The fair is a place to exchange ideas and new information.
- The Memories – Youth bonding together while cleaning pens, sharing funnel cakes, participating in Barnyard Olympic games, taking photos and goofing off between events. These are the memories that will always be remembered.
- The Smiles – Nothing is more rewarding than seeing a great big smile when a youth wins that first showmanship contest or gets all the correct leads in a western pleasure class for the first time. 4-Hers do a lot of smiling when they cheer on their 4-H friends during competitions. Sportsmanship smiles are precious.
- The Role Models – The County Fair is time when older youth can be role models for younger youth. How many first time 4-Hers find an older youth they want to be just like when they grow up?
The County Fair is also a time for youth to give back to their community. So many people, organizations and businesses sponsor awards, buy livestock, run contests, judge exhibits and do much more. Youth learn to give back to these sponsors by writing thank you notes, baking yummy treats, making gift baskets and other special recognitions. Someday they will be the ones running the county fairs.
The County Fair is all about “Making the Best Better!”