Fair Enough
I love going to county fairs during this time of the year. By mid to late September, all the garden crops are ready for harvest and an autumn chill starts to set in. Area 4-H'ers have wrapped up their summer's work and are now ready to show their livestock at the fair. Toss in a tractor pull, a country music concert and good weather, and you've got the makings for a great county fair.
If it were just that simple.
The reality is county fairs that take place this time of year face several headwinds. The biggest challenge is drawing people to the fairgrounds when there are so many other things that compete for their time and attention. People are busy, especially with school activities and sports. Fair organizers have to offer something that is attractive to busy families.
Last week, I spent some time chatting with organizers of the St. Joseph County Grange Fair in Centreville. That fair is taking place this week. The organizers shared that families who want to participate in the fair have to make choices that reflect their priorities. One fair board member mentioned that her son played football and showed livestock at the fair, but it wasn't easy. Another organizer, looking back to when she was in 4-H, said she gave up playing certain sports so she could compete at the fair.
Without a partnership with local school districts, it would be next to impossible to hold a county fair during the fall months. That's what I gathered after chatting with Kayla Mitchell, 4-H educator for St. Joseph County (Mich.). She works to educate teachers about what students will be doing during fair week. Some think the youths will be having a grand time riding the carnival rides and enjoying time with friends. But 99% of 4-H'ers don't do that. Most 4-H'ers are actually very busy exhibiting and caring for their animals.
The level of cooperation varies by school district, but fortunately most schools in St. Joseph County understand that the fair is September tradition. For its part, the fair schedules all the small animal shows for the opening weekend, reducing the need for exhibitors to miss school. Large animals are shown during the week, and both large and small animal exhibitors come to the fair on Thursday for the auction.
County fairs reflect their respective communities. So, if the community values the fair, then people will find a way to participate, even if it's in September.