Why You Should Support Your County Fair | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Why You Should Support Your County Fair

It's more than just Ferris wheels and funnel cakes.

196
Why You Should Support Your County Fair
The Northwest Washington Fair and Event Center

August is here, and for many people that means the county fair is right around the corner. Some people attend fairs for the rides, cotton candy, or a concert, while for others the fair is a time of competition. For the kids who participate in 4-H or FFA, the fair is when all of their hard work comes to fruition.


1. Adorable sights.

If you love watching cute things happen, look no further than the seven-year-old trying to convince their favorite rooster to crow in the crowing contest, or the nine-year-old fighting to keep their lamb from eating their fairy wings in the costume parade. The antics of these kids and their animals is sure to keep you saying "aww."


2. You're supporting the next generation of leaders.

As kids learn about their projects, they develop pride in the hard work they've put in. Whether it's raising a market hog, sewing a quilt or giving a presentation, these kids are learning skills that will help them do well in school, get jobs and become an essential part of society. Attending the fair and looking at what they've done will not only restore your own faith in the future, but it helps kids to know that other people see the value in the work that they've put in.


3. You can learn fun facts.

Do you see that kid sweeping the aisle way in front of their pens? Yeah, they're stuck there watching the animals until the end of their two-hour barn duty shift. Their duties? To keep everything looking beautiful and answer questions the public might have. Since sweeping the now-imaginary shavings away can get monotonous, it's a nice break when someone asks you a question. Most kids love talking about their project, so stop and take advantage of this opportunity to learn something new. I'm willing to bet you'll both enjoy the experience.


4. "Fair"-ly cheap entertainment.

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Fairs can be quite expensive if you don't plan ahead, but if you pack yourself a lunch, bring along some bottles of water, and budget for the one or two "fair food" items that you deem as must-haves, it doesn't have to be that costly. One of the things that really drives up the price of a day at the fair is rides, so if your focus is on the traditional, agricultural aspects of the fair, you can have a blast without spending too much.


5. Traditions.

Whether it's the pie eating contest, watching the kids show their animals or listening to the musicians on the free stage, there's something classically American about the county fair. Take a walk back in time with experiencing many of the things Americans have loved for generations.


6. People watching.

I'm not sure what it is, but the county fair seems to be the place where people wear the weirdest clothes or do the oddest things. Make it a competition with your friends to see who can find the quirkiest people watching experience.


7. Healthy competition.

In a world where the balance between the "everyone is a winner" and "if you're not first, you're last" mentalities is rarely achieved, county fairs find a way to walk that line. In 4-H and FFA shows, there are three different standards: blue, red and white. Each color of ribbon has a different set of qualifications. All of the kids can achieve the blue standard, or some can get blue, some red, and some white, depending on how their project measures up to the standard. In this way, kids are rewarded for their work equally, but there still remains one champion and one reserve champion, meaning that there is always a goal to strive for.



Perhaps it's been a few years since you've visited a fair, or maybe you're tired of the same rides and commercial exhibits. This year I encourage you to give your county fair another shot, take in the sights and experiences of the fair from a new perspective,focus on the cool things that kids are learning, or look at the ways that fairs have changed over the years, but take the time to share in this small slice of America that sometimes gets forgotten.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190361
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14985
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457924
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26669
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments