Traditions Worth Saving

This time of year brings with it the familiar sights and smells of America’s state and county fairs: corn dogs, chili cheese fries, cotton candy, carnival rides, livestock, and the fresh fertilizer that accompanies them. But attendance at all fairs has been slowly dwindling over the last couple of decades, which raises the question about whether this American tradition can survive. Due to the drastic budget cuts that are being passed in nearly all fifty states most fair representatives say their fairs more than likely won’t survive; which is really pretty sad when you think about it. State and county fairs represent more than just a “good time” for two weeks in the summer. Fairs provide a community service far beyond just entertainment; numerous non-profit organizations benefit through fund raising at their local fairs, young people learn life lessons of responsibility, leadership, and teamwork, people going to fairs can learn about agriculture and meet local farmers, not to mention that most fair proceeds are generated back into local communities. Some traditions are certainly worth saving, state and county fairs are definitely one of them.