Friday, July 8, 2011

Farmer Fridays - What does the county fair mean to you?



Our county fair started today which is always a favorite time of year at this pigpen.  As you know 4-H and the county and state fair played a big role in mine and The Farmer's lives growing up and continue to do so today.

I saw a status update on Facebook today complaining about the midway/carnival rides at our county fair this year (long story short, our old vendor recently filed bankruptcy and the fair board had to scramble at the last minute to find something for the midway so I will be the first to admit it is less than desirable this year) which got me thinking the midway never has been and never will be why my family goes to the fair.

Now don't get me wrong, I've been known to ride a ride or two in my past at the county fair, but the county fair is so much more to me.

Growing up, it was where my family was a family.  The Farmer and I are both third generation 4-Hers so our families each have many traditions and memories around the county fair.  Going to the county fair is about seeing our friends from all over the county that we may of may not see that much throughout the year.  It is about showcasing the 4-H projects that the 4-Hers have worked hard on during the year and weeks and days leading up to the fair.  It is about the livestock that the 4-Hers and their families have raised with the dream of winning that purple ribbon.  Truthfully, it is a way of life for many of us that are proud former 4-Hers because 4-H helped make us the people we are today.

So I realize you may not have all of these deeply rooted reasons for going to the fair and it may just be about the fair food and midway which is OK, but just remember, the fair is about so much more.
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7 comments:

  1. The food, and times with good friends whom we only see durring the fair are the memoires that I will always remember, not the "rides" or shows on the main stage....

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  2. Our county fair doesn't even have rides...but for the third year in a row, we're having inflatable games, and that's a BIG hit! Seeing things for the first time on this side of 4H, all I can say is it's AMAZING! Lovin' it!

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  3. Well said Heather! We were never allowed to venture into the midway until after the Jr. Livestock auction was done or the judging had been completed. I have sooooo many wonderful family memories about our County Fairs. I actully wrote about them on my blog a few weeks ago. http://bit.ly/oNoHOd. Thanks for a wonderful reflection.

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  4. I was raised a city kid and did not start attending the county fair until I was in my 50s. I love going to see all the livestock and what the 4H kids have done. It is a part of life I missed out on growing up as a military brat. I know there is a midway, but I don't bother.
    smehary@comcast.net

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  5. Just came home from Clean Up day at our fairgrounds. We don't kick off until the 21st, but that's ok. Hope the animals are surviving the heat at your fair. Whew doggies it was hot out there today!

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  6. Oooh we love the fairS! Our farm is actually in two counties in a metropolitan area so we enjoy several. So far my kids have been so young that "mutton bustin'" (sheep riding) and horse shows have been their only participation. The animals are our favs but we do love the rides too. The Farmer always checks out the judged hay while I look at food entries. We are eager to join 4-H and are inspired by all your families have done! Enjoy!!!

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  7. Hopefully, I'll get to see you there tonight!

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