Why the County Fair Matters

 

On the Midway of the Monroe County

(Ill.) Fair. July 24 2014

      Until I moved away to the big city almost 20 years ago, the Monroe County Fair in Waterloo, Ill., was a big deal for this agriculture-based community. 
 My first job out of college was with the hometown newspaper. If participating in the fair as a 4-H'er and FFA Chapter member wasn’t enough, covering it for the newspaper was over the top. And I enjoyed every minute of it. It involved taking pictures of everything including grand champion hogs, cattle, sheep, chickens, goats and rabbits, all with a smiling fair queen handing out the trophies.

Canned goods of all kinds in the fine arts building. 

For the past 67 years Monroe County residents, farmers and townspeople alike,  have gathered in the late summer or early fall for the county fair in Waterloo. As a young member of the local 4-H Club and High School Future Farmers of American chapter member, fair week in early August last week in July, was a welcome respite from the monotony of farm life. It was also a chance to socialize, and show off your 4-H garden products, farm animals and fine arts. I have to mention that tractor pulls, demolition derbies (one for cars and one for combines). There are lots of fond memories when it comes to the fair. The arrival of fair week was also a subtle signal that school would start before you knew it.

Farm youth with market animals wait for their turn in the auction ring. 4-H and FFA members gain valuable life lessons showing animals. 

Only July 24, I took the family to the fair and my five-year-old loved it. Lured by the promise of riding the Ferris wheel and perhaps a roller coaster, we arrived well before the rides opened. A little disappointing for sure, but extra time to see all the other sights and sounds. We headed to the livestock barns, which have expanded greatly in recent years. There must’ve been a few hundred rabbits and poultry on display, and we had to study just about every rabbit on display. 

Rabbits are popular at this year's exposition

It cannot be said by this five year old that if you’ve seen one rabbit you’ve seen them all. Next up, goats and sheep, hogs, dairy cattle and beef cattle. The rides still aren’t opened, but the foods stands are coming to life.

If one had attended the fair 30 years ago and again in 2014 it wouldn’t go without noticing that most, if not all, of the food vendors – local civic, church and school organizations staffed by volunteers -- are exactly the same. This is a testament to the quality and value of food. However, I noticed one local group was peddling poultry sandwiches manufactured by a national chain. This seemed out of place to me but I will refrain from further snarky comments.

Sleepy and mostly quiet in mid afternoon, the County Fair Midway was soon a 

bee hive of activity. 

     A hamburger, nachos sno-cone and ice cream cone later, the young one was ready for the carnival rides. Maybe he should let his food settle first. That was a good time to check out all the tractors.

     Finally! The rides opened and they were a hit, and a great fun finale to celebrate the fair and all it has to offer.

Terrified and thrilled at the same time. 

 It’s hard to put into words why county fairs are important. It’s simply that agriculture matters; a robust farm economy matters, and farmers are important. They are the ultimate conservationists. Farmers have known for a long time that conserving soil and humane treatment of farm animals is, besides the right thing to do, good for business.

Ultimately keeping folks employed and nourished helps keep the peace. American farmers understand this and do a good job at it.  And it didn’t go unnoticed that all the ag product entries – and there were hundreds of them – were the products of family farmers.

Hot and dry, cloudy and cold. Weather during fair week varies from year to year. Dairy cattle enjoy a cool midweek this year. 

So if you are a city dweller concerned about how farmers treat the environment and animals, or maybe you want to to know more about the food on your table,  go to a county fair in your area and talk to a farmer. By talk to, I don’t mean talk at. Have a conversation. Ask questions. Be informed. Have fun and ride the rides.

Farming, gardening, textiles, crafts and photography. There is an opportunity for anyone to showcase their creativity at the Fair.