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As I sit here writing this, I’m surrounded by the hum of fans and a gentle breeze and the familiar sounds of a cow bellowing, children laughing while playing cornhole in the barn aisles and parents discussing schedules and plans for the day fill the air.

My son just hopped up from his chair, where he was playing Uno with his sister, and walked to the show box, grabbed our water filter and let me know he was heading to the other barn to water his feeder calf. I smiled because, at just 10 years old, he understands the importance of taking care of his animals.

I’ve watched livestock shows on and off all day, and these kids are just incredible. They are made differently — tough, proud and caring. I saw a girl gently whispering to her calf as other calves started getting a bit excited in the show ring. I watched a boy in his stall with his heifer, getting cow licks (literally) as he scratched her neck. In the lamb barn, I observed a family trying to keep their lamb out of the rain because sheep don’t love water and it was already prettied up for the show.

As a mother, this week is hard. It’s a lot of work, trying to push your kids while keeping it fun. It’s hoping that big, beautiful heifer that weighs 1,100 pounds continues to behave in an environment she’s not used to. It’s ensuring you have wash clothes, regular clothes, and show clothes, and that the animals have shampoo, show-day shampoo, and products to make their hair just right. It’s making sure the kids are fed, the animals are fed, and the stalls stay clean.

We are hot, our hair is a mess, we are overstimulated, overthinking, and we smell like a barn. But amidst the chaos, there’s a special kind of beauty in the county fair.

Watching these kids is a reminder of the values we strive to instill in them — responsibility, dedication and compassion. These young exhibitors demonstrate an impressive work ethic and a deep bond with their animals. They rise early, work hard, and face the challenges of fair week with determination and grace.

The county fair is more than just a competition; it’s a community. It’s where families come together to celebrate agriculture, hard work, and each other. It’s where lifelong friendships are formed and memories are made. It’s a place where kids learn the importance of taking care of something other than themselves and gain a sense of pride in their accomplishments.

And while the kids and their animals are the stars of the show, moms are the true champions at the county fair.  We are the planners, the motivators, the caretakers, and the cheerleaders. We make sure everything runs smoothly, even when it feels like chaos.  We celebrate the victories, no matter how small, and we console our children through the disappointments.

As the sun sets and the fairgrounds quiet down, there’s a sense of satisfaction in the air. We’ve made it through another day, and despite the challenges, we wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. The county fair is a testament to the strength and resilience of our community, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

So here’s to the kids, the animals, and especially the moms who make the county fair possible. Your hard work, dedication, and love are what keeps the heart of the fair beating strong.

Submitted by Mandy Orahood, the organization director at Ohio Farm Bureau Federation for Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull counties.

OFBF Mission: Working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.