The weather has finally turned hot and muggy. It’s mid-summer and the dramatic change in the climate means just one thing to me– it’s FAIR TIME! Throughout Illinois and across the country, a variety of local festivals are being held. From the largest cities to the smallest towns, RV’s appear and colorful tents pop up overnight… scary mechanical devices are quickly assembled to clench the ground and then roar into action, in a whirl of motion, loud music and bright flashing lights… the air is permeated with the smells of cotton candy, saltwater taffy, funnel cakes, corn dogs and grilling meat… an otherwise quiet area comes to life with the sounds of bells, whistles, sirens and loud shouting voices. Just the first hours of these events cause quite a commotion. People in the area become anxious and excited about this phenomenon, the “buzz” starts, they become curious– and, they come to see what it’s all about.

Whether state fair, county fair or local community festival, much of my amazement in these events is just how quickly they come together, how much activity is packed into the span of just a few short days and how quickly they end and disappear. Except for the telltale signs of stuffed garbage bags loaded into piles, you might never suspect that anything even took place! These events are a testament to a combination of good planning, entertaining activities, sticking to a schedule, human ingenuity with a just a pinch of improvisation and good old American know-how. They are big celebrations of our overall good humor and fun-loving attitude, community-mindedness, fierce competitiveness and unified national spirit.

I love all fairs, really. From the glitz of a state fair to the local flavor of a county fair, I like them all. But, I guess because of my upbringing, I hold special interest in those fairs that focus heavily on agriculture. Most in the Midwest do. I’m a country boy at heart… I grew up in a rural background and later became a member of a 4-H club. I participated in FFA and other agricultural activities, too. Needless to say, for those reasons, I can appreciate all the hard work and care put into both raising and showing livestock and the perseverance that it takes to prepare and exhibit the many other great projects shown off this time of year by the 4-Hers and FFA young people. It’s a terrific learning experience and builds the kind of responsibility that can sometimes be lacking today in our society.

Over the years, I have attended many agricultural events at different fairs. It’s always a thrill to witness these young people getting ready to parade their livestock projects into the show ring or set up their displays in an exhibition hall. There’s a great deal of tension and anticipation before SHOW TIME arrives– and, it shows in the kids’ faces. But when the time for judging finally arrives, these young folks show off the results of their months of work in the most professional manner possible. After all, the judges are paying very close attention and parents, family and friends are usually in the arena audience, as well. Why, I have even seen many city folks get excited about what’s happening at the show! Of course, there often are some comical moments during the course of the fair… a judge getting kicked by a steer, a pig not going where it’s supposed to go or doing something inappropriate, a “still-alive” insect discovered by the judge in an entomology project (the grasshopper’s legs were still kicking– some young folks DO put things off ‘til the last minute, you know) or a floral display or vegetable item that wilts before the judging begins (been there; done that, too)! Many people would rather be on one of the carnival rides, but not me. I would rather watch the poultry judging or the horse show!

And, of course, a visit to the State Fair is the best! Hours have been spent roaming the State Fairgrounds. We’re lucky to have a very good state fair here in Illinois. I like looking at the many displays of both new and old farm machinery– it reminds me of just how far agriculture has come in a pretty short amount of time. A visit to the Exposition Pavilion is usually on the “to do” list, and if we’re lucky, there will be some sort of horse riding competition going on at the time. The horses are beautiful in their fancy saddles and other gear, and the riders dressed up in elaborate outfits look fantastic. They are so disciplined and professional, as they go through the routines, rider and horse in perfect unison! As an outdoorsman, I can never resist a visit to the Conservation Building either, where live wildlife and fish displays capture my interest. I’m always amazed at the size of some of the fish on display. I can appreciate the beauty of Illinois’ wildlife and have even had the privilege of matching wits with many of these critters! There never seems to be enough time to see everything. So, a visit to the State Fair usually winds down after a last-minute visit to see “the cow made of butter”, many more miles of walking and some sore feet. Then, we head for the parking lot and the trip home… It’s always a great and rewarding experience.

So, get out and go to the fair this summer! It doesn’t matter if it’s a small local event or a statewide extravaganza– you’ll find much of what is great about this country on display or being paraded around! Take in the live music of a grandstand event… cheer on your favorite driver at the tractor pull… or attend the demolition derby. You will have a great time with family and friends, and I’ll just bet that you’ll find a lemonade shake-up and elephant ear waiting there especially for you…