County Fairs about More than Food, Rides and Games

County Fairs about More than Food, Rides and Games

A long summer of great outdoor community events wraps up with the Highland County Fair September 5th through 11th. I've enjoyed seeing and speaking with friends and constituents from throughout the Third District at a number of county fairs. County fairs are significant for more than good food, midway rides and carnival games. County fairs showcase Ohio's tremendous agriculture business.

Agriculture is Ohio's largest industry. Food and agriculture, including wholesaling, retailing, farm production, marketing and processing, employ one out of six people statewide. While corn and soybeans are the state's top crops, over 200 different crops are grown in Ohio and almost half of all land in the state is considered prime farmland- the best in the world. The 3rd Congressional District, and its 750,000 acres of farmland, contributes a wide range of crops to the marketplace. Everything from soybeans to corn and tobacco to raspberries are grown in this district.

The Ohio Board of Agriculture was established by farmers in the mid 19th century. Shortly afterward, it established fairs in every county in the state. These county fairs were designed to celebrate farmers and their contributions to Ohio's economy. The Ohio State Fair was created out of two specific fairs, the 1847 District Fair in Wilmington and the 1848 District Fair in Xenia.

Fairs have a great history as meeting places for community groups, farmers, businessmen and families. In earlier times the fair was the place for citizens, many who farmed, to see their local leaders outside of the hustle of the planting and harvesting seasons.

Farmers also used the fairs as a primary means of communication and networking. Farmers statewide would gather to trade information about new and improved farming techniques that were helpful toward increasing farmers' productivity. These annual gatherings helped Ohio become among the nation's agricultural leaders.

Today's county fairs are populated by booths from many groups, associations or organizations that assist farmers and represent their interests. The Farm Bureau and the local OSU Extension Office are two booths, seen at almost every Ohio county fair, that continue the practice of sharing the latest information and techniques that benefit farmers and livestock producers.

In addition to serving as a gathering place and showcase for the state's agricultural industry, county fairs have a tradition of furthering the education and leadership development of Ohio's young people. Ohio's fairs encourage young people to participate in 4-H (Head, Heart, Hands and Health) and FFA (Future Farmers of America).

Both 4-H and FFA educate and encourage responsibility through the wide ranging projects they oversee. These assignments include raising livestock and crops, and then showcasing them at the fairs. These young adults are the community leaders of tomorrow, and the experiences that culminate at the county fairs teach them lessons about agriculture and commerce, while giving them a sense of civic responsibility and confidence.

I am proud to be an active participant in the Junior Fair Livestock Sale during the Warren, Clinton and Highland County Fairs. Many of these projects are done in conjunction with 4-H or FFA and proceeds from the Junior Fair Livestock Sale are used to support the future educations of the students that participate.

Ohioans are proud of our heritage of agricultural contributions to the nation. Each year some of the year's best accomplishments are on display at our county and state fairs. In keeping with tradition, the fairs remain great meeting places and educational opportunities. Of course, the great food, fun rides and games add to the overall experience. The last area fair of the year is the Highland County Fair September 5th through 11th. I look forward to the opportunity to see familiar friends and make new friends when I am there.