Why I'll Always Love the Butler County Fair | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why I'll Always Love the Butler County Fair

It's more than just funnel cakes, cotton candy, and corndogs!

22
Why I'll Always Love the Butler County Fair
Shelly Schmidt

County fairs mean a lot of things to many different people: some visitors just come for the funnel cakes and cotton candy, other for the derbies and tractor pulls, and many come to put a year's worth of hard work up for display to the public for a week. To me, my county fair means so much more than any of those things. It means the love I received and gave to two very special ponies, a responsibility to those animals, and a week of sweat, tears, and hoping for blue ribbons.

Over the past week I have visited the Butler County fair to watch my horse compete with a girl who has fallen in love with him just as much as I have in the few months she's been riding him. It makes me so sad to see him running his heart out without me guiding him around the arena, but the happiness I get from knowing that someone else gets to have the same experience I've had at the fair makes up for that loss. So instead of feeling my stomach twist and my heart pound on top of my nervous horse, I stand at the fence of the arena and feel those same things while cheering on the young girl following in my footsteps riding the best friend I ever had.

For the last 10 years at the end of July I would pack up my horse and leave him at the old fairgrounds for a week. I'd wear that special wristband only 4-H kids would get and I'd spend a week walking around in my dirty cowboy boots feeling like a part of something bigger than myself. But, this year was much different. I didn't get a wristband and I felt like an imposter in my boots. For the first time ever I had to pay to enter the fair and instead of showing a plastic wristband at the gate I held up my hand to show the faded stamp that proved I was allowed in. For the first time ever, I was a visitor at the Butler County Fair, not an exhibitor.

Maybe for a minute or two I didn't feel entirely like I belonged there, but as I saw my horse and his new rider I realized I did. My time in 4-H and competing at the fair gave me many mentors to look up to. Growing up I idolized the older girls who helped teach me to ride, but seeing my horse carrying a new girl who he loves just as much as me, I realized I have become a mentor for the younger girls to look up to. Now I can coach new riders and give them the confidence and skills they need to succeed. As my pony's newest cowgirl sits upon his back she'll become a better rider, but in turn she'll become a better mentor to the girls who are already starting to look up to her. For that, I will always be thankful for 4-H and the Butler County Fair.

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

10 Things To Know About The First Semester Of College

10 things that most incoming college freshmen have no idea about.

391
campus
Pexels

Starting college is pretty scary and fun at the same time. You are free of your parents(in most cases) but this is the first time you have no idea what the heck is going on. Here are 10 things you may want to know going into your first semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter

It's not all morning coffees and singing along to the radio.

1162
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
morethanwheels

I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

3868
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

17954
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments