Fresh out of the county fair, I have had the privilege of spending the week with a community of people brought together for one cause … youth and agriculture! Though an extension educators’ work can be tough during the fair, I always feel rejuvenated afterwards with a renewed passion to keep educating our community on topics ranging from finances to food. I want to explore just a few of the benefits of heading to your county fair to enjoy the day!
Create Community
In many communities, county fairs serve as a place of reunion, community, and friendship. By bringing together people from across the area, fairs can create a sense of belonging that directly impacts our mental health. From offering emotional and physical support to giving people a sense of identity, community impacts both how we feel about ourselves and others. Being together also reduces feelings of isolation and othering. Fair communities may only be brief, but they can improve our mood, support personal growth, reduce stress, and in some cases promote healthier lifestyle choices.
Promote Ag Literacy
County Fairs are often the center of local agriculture communities. From 4-H and FFA to Farm Bureau, fair agricultural displays often open doors to people who may not know where their food comes, promoting agricultural literacy. According to the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, agricultural literacy is “the understanding and knowledge of agriculture and its impact on society.” By increasing our understanding of agriculture, fairs can help us make more informed decisions about our food and create change to make food more accessible and available to all.
See Perseverance in Action
Last but certainly not least, county fairs are the place to have a front row view of perseverance. No matter the age of the competitors, county fairs are a great place to watch people try and try again. Whether it’s chasing Grand Champion or Homemaker of the year, the grit you witness on stage, in the barns, or in the rings can have a positive effect on you long after the fair is over. In a 2017 study, researchers found that babies who watched an adult struggle and succeed at an unrelated task were more resilient during other tasks. Applying this to all ages makes witnessing the successes and failures at the county fair, a pool of inspiration for a lifetime.
Just a few ways to prepare yourself for a day at the fair:
Hydrate!: Being outside all day can be difficult so be sure to stay hydrated and keep drinking your water.
Wear your Sunscreen: Getting your vitamin D is great, but protecting yourself from UV rays will keep your skin happy. Be sure to apply sunscreen before you go and reapply every couple of hours once you are there!
Grab something Fun to Eat: Moderation is a key to healthy eating at the fair. Grabbing a snack at the county fair can fill that craving for a whole year. I know for me an apple cider slushy tastes the best at the fair.
Take the trip, make it a day, support local youth, and learn from their grit at the county fair.
Sources:
“5 Tips on Eating Healthy at Your Local Fair.” Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. https://www.wakehealth.edu/stories/eating-healthy-at-the-fair
Datu J. A. D. (2021). Beyond Passion and Perseverance: Review and Future Research Initiatives on the Science of Grit. Frontiers in psychology, 11, 545526. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.545526
Stein, Samantha. (July 18, 2023).”The Importance of Community.” Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-the-wild-things-are/202307/the-importance-of-community
Writer: Ryan Kline, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development and Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County, kline.375@osu.edu
Reviewer: Misty Harmon, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Perry County, harmon.416@osu.edu