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It is so hard to believe that county fair season will be upon us. Growing up in 4-H in Pennsylvania and showing at the county fair every summer was something that I looked forward to, and still do. To me, fair week was so much more than just rides and fair food. In reality, even though those are probably the two most common things that most think of when the word fair comes to mind, for me, it was friendships and experiences.

As a 10-year 4-H member, the highlight to our project year was competing at county fair every summer. We worked extremely hard through the year not only with our project animals, but on record keeping and demonstrations as well. Not only did this set a good basis for hard work and dedication for me, but it also taught me so many life lessons and skills that I still use to this day. Teamwork, strong work ethic and attention to detail are just a few of the key skills that I feel 4-H helped instill into me.

For you, maybe county fair week has a much different meaning. I feel that most think of rides, games, the midway and endless fair food. Who doesn’t love a good milkshake or fried Oreos?!  While all of these can make a trip to the fair a fun experience, I encourage, and challenge you to make this year’s trip to your local county fair an educational experience as well. Not only will this be meaningful to the youth exhibiting at the fair, but I think it will be a great way to connect with farm families and see how and where your food comes from as well.

Making the fair a learning experience doesn’t have to be difficult. As a county Farm Bureau board member, I know that our organization is working hard to create a “fun center” for fair week that will provide the opportunity for kids to have a safe space off the midway to play and learn. Attending something like this during fair would allow you to interact with Farm Bureau members staffing the area and have a conversation about what we do and how food is produced from farms.

Some other great ways to support the 4-H program and learn about all that farmers do is to watch a milking at the milking parlor, attend the livestock auction, or watch one of the numerous livestock shows throughout the week. Not only does this show great support to the exhibitors and their families, but as a consumer, I think it will provide a great glimpse into the life these farmers live daily.

With that, the Trumbull County fair will be running this week, but if you are unable to make it to that fair, please try to make it out to another over the next couple of months. Fair week is still one of the best weeks of the year for me, and I hope it will start to be that for you as well. Making memories, and learning at the same time are what set a great foundation for the future success of the youth in these 4-H programs. I hope to see YOU at the fair!

Submitted by Julianne Holler, a member of the Trumbull County Farm Bureau board of trustees.

2023 Fair Dates

• Trumbull County Fair: July 11 – July 16
• Lake County Fair: July 25 – July 30
• Ashtabula County Fair: Aug. 8 – Aug. 13
• Geauga County Fair: Aug. 31 – Sept. 4 

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