County and State Fairs

I was happy to read Annie Holmquist’s article “The Sweet and Secret Influences of Our State and County Fairs,” in the Aug. 30–Sept. 5, 2023, edition and would like to add my enthusiastic word of support.

I began by exhibiting a few items at a county fair in my late teens. More than 20 years, and many fairs later, I can testify to the ongoing and empowering positive influence that fair exhibit competitions have had in my life and for my family.

To Annie and others who haven’t yet entered the fruits of their efforts into a fair, I would strongly recommend you take the leap and just do it. Don’t be intimidated by the competition, but instead join in this community celebration of productivity and creativity. In “A World Without Skills“ [by Jeffrey Tucker, published in the Aug. 9–15, 2023 edition], county and state fairs are the existing, historic institution to encourage, applaud, and reward both practical and artistic skills. The range of exhibit classes typically offers opportunities for nearly everyone, whether you do arts and crafts, photography, gardening, needlework, canning, woodworking, or other endeavors.

For homeschoolers and all parents, this is a priceless opportunity for your children to take part in a community arts and crafts display and to show off their achievements. Recently, our 10-year-old daughter won Youth Best in Show Yeast Bread at our county fair, affirming what we already knew at home: She makes great bread. Where else does the broader community come together to applaud each other’s accomplishments in such basic, necessary, and down-to-earth skills?

In our quest for a better America, let’s come together to celebrate everything good in our communities. Dress up, show up, smile at your neighbors, and take part in preserving our local, county, and state fairs because they need you, more than you know.

Sarah Phero Pennsylvania