It’s County Fair Time
July and August for country folks mean county fair time and a nice reminder of the values and work ethic that young people learn growing up in an agricultural setting. If you’ve got a special memory of county or state fairs past or present, we’d like to hear it and share it with other American Cowman readers. Click the comment button below to let us know why you value rural life.
Related Topics: Small Producer Challenges
August 7th, 2007 at 9:55 am
It is a nice time of the year and it’s always great to see the young people so energized. But one wise friend of mine once asked me why our family has to have showing cattle as our hobby! These August days are hot and there is seldom anyplace more dusty than a county fairgrounds. She asked “Why doesn’t your family have hobbies like boating or water skiing?”
August 7th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
My family is still actively involved in our local county fair, held in Grand Rapids, MN (Itasca county). It’s hard to capitalize on just one fond memory - but as I look at old photographs from the 20+ years we’ve participated at the county fair - I am always struck by how much everyone has grown up. I can spot my dad before his hair was gray. My brother before he up-graded from dorky glasses. Kids that were just babes in these photographs are now high school and college graduates.
Though the memories of how the cattle did in the 4-H show, or who won showmanship have all faded - the experiences of washing cattle on the wash rack, participating in Farm Olympics, and the shenanigans we pulled have not.
It’s almost like a second family - they know embarrassing moments and moments of triumphs. They can identify with the struggles and opportunities you face in life. Heck, even this year I’m planning bringing my boyfriend to see if he meets their approval (of which I’m sure he will!).
My only hope is that I can pass on the excitement of the county fair season to the next generation. With any hope, they will be laughing at my pictures in years to come.
August 14th, 2007 at 11:54 am
Our annual summer vacation was a Labor Day weekend trip to the South Dakota State Fair. It wasn’t fancy, but for us kids it was the greatest destination in the world. Many great friendships and memories were made. This year my neice is exhibiting her first pig at the state fair. I have to chuckle because she learned that the hog show is terminal…pretty tough for a little girl to come to terms with. So her mom and dad have taken her gilt out of the market competition and moved her into the breeding gilt show. Charolette (the pigs name) will be spared this year!
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