Intern Insider: 2025 Franklin County Fair
Kassandra Simmons
Kassandra Simmons

 Fair Week with Franklin County Farm Bureau 

The Franklin County Fair was packed with fun events, great people, and lots of chances to support the kids and our ag community. I’m really thankful I got to be a part of it all.

 Kids Day Fun
On Kids Day July 16, we had all kinds of hands-on activities like Branding Your Own Cowhide, making Soybean Necklaces, learning about Balloon Plants, and a fun Coloring Contest. The Pinecone Bird Feeder craft was definitely a favorite—both kids and adults got involved and had a great time. We also brought out the prize wheel on Farm Bureau Day and gave away lots of fun Farm Bureau goodies. The kids loved it!

Social Media

Throughout the week we interviewed countless people and asked them questions about the fair and Farm Bureau. We even got to interview the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. It was fun getting to know strangers and hearing all of the different answers. 

Supporting the Auctions
Farm Bureau was active in the Creative Baking and Livestock Auctions again this year, and we bought several items to support the 4-H and FFA kids. It’s great to see Farm Bureau giving back to those just starting their agricultural journeys.

New Members 

We had some great conversations with fairgoers throughout the week, and a bunch of new members signed up. Once people heard about all the benefits Farm Bureau offers and the work it does for farmers and their families, it was an easy yes. I really enjoyed being able to share what Farm Bureau is all about.

Stall Signs

Just like last year, Franklin County Farm Bureau gave out stall signs that boosted kids’ projects by $50. All you need is a Farm Bureau membership (parent, grandparent, or your own), and it’s such a nice way to support the youth. A lot of kids really look forward to it.

Country Olympics & Ice Cream Social
One of the highlights was definitely the Country Olympics. People of all ages joined in for events like Seed Spitting, Feed Sack Races, Wheelbarrow Races, Egg-on-a-Spoon, the Lasso Contest, and Straw Bale Throwing. It got a little chaotic, but everyone had a blast. Participants even got a free T-shirt! Afterward, we hosted an ice cream social where anyone could stop by, relax, and enjoy some free ice cream. It was a big hit!

Livestock Signs
This year I had the chance to work on educational signs for the barns. Each one had fun facts, care tips, breed info, and life cycle details for the animals. We hung them up by each species. It was cool to see how many people stopped to read them and how much they enjoyed learning something new.

Even though it was a long and busy week, it was totally worth it. I had the chance to meet a lot of great people, experience a new fair, help out with events, and most of all, promote Farm Bureau. This internship has already taught me so much, and I’m really grateful for everything it’s allowed me to be part of.

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Kassandra Simmons is serving as the 2025 Central OH Farm Bureau Community Outreach Intern

 

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

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