The Event ~ County Fair Time

The County fair was a family event for both Tim and I in our childhood. We were both in 4-H. He in livestock; me in sewing, cooking, gardening. It was only natural that we would continue the 4-H tradition with our own kids. Janel, Alexis and Cash each enjoyed showing livestock in 4-H, beginning with the Morrill County Fair in the earlier years and finishing with the Scotts Bluff County Fair in their last years of 4-H.

Fair was an eventful time in their youth as it was in mine and Tim’s.

Janel showed two beef as her first project at age 8.  Alexis showed one of my dairy calves one year and showed pigs for several years.

Cash started showing sheep when he was 8, building his own herd of sheep to about 40 ewes, lambing out twins and triplets every winter, raising his own project animals.  He showed in both 4-H and FFA in high school.

They continued with their livestock projects through high school.   The project monies from their livestock sales paid for their first cars and a little college,  among other things.

 

Tim instructed them in the livestock care. I instructed the girls and many of their friends in their sewing projects for several years as a 4-H leader. Janel and Alexis both took cooking as well. Cash took on photography and gardening.

In addition to showing livestock, much time was spent at demonstration contests, livestock judging, dress reviews,  talent shows, and even a sandwich making competition (left).

The kids enjoyed camping at the county fairgrounds, the water fights, the late nights, the fair food, and the fair social life. It was a fun time. 4-H has not lost its significance.  Even though it was all about the projects, the kids were the actual projects as 4-H offered training in life skills, leadership, responsibility, work ethics, accountability, etc.

The county fair has waned through the years, but I’m sure it’s still as much fun for the young kids today as it was 10, 20, 40 and 50 years ago! Fair today continues to be an enjoyable event. It’s a time to catch up with many people we know but only see once a year at the fair ~ a time to touch base with many eventful friends. Today, Tim and I still enjoy attending the fair, especially eating the fair food. We make special trips to the county fair just to eat the fair food. How divine!

We've enjoyed taking our grandkids to the fair if they are visiting at the time.  Last nite Josh enjoyed fair food ~ walking tacos and brats ~ with us at the 4-H Jr. Leaders booth, and checking out the animals.   It was another eventful outing with our grandson.  We've enjoyed having him stay with us the last ten days.  Josh left for home this morning.  We will miss him.  Tim and I will continue to enjoy fair food the rest of the week ~ tornado potatoes, gyros, indian tacos, funnel cakes, bbq ribs. M-m-m good!  Eventful food!