I love county fairs… the animals, exhibits, food, shows - all of it! It’s so sad when fall rolls around each year and fair season is over.

I’ve been involved in county fairs since I was young. As a 4-H member I would exhibit my sewing and cooking projects, fruit preserves and bake goods, and I also showed cattle. My parents would offer guidance but other than that I was on my own with my projects, learning from my mistakes.

Sadly, county fairs are becoming more and more a thing of the past. They are dwindling nationwide as kids take more interest in video games and shopping than community and agriculture. In my opinion, kids of all ages would benefit greatly if they took part in county fairs and entered exhibits. The projects not only teach kids new skills and responsibility, but they give children active and productive alternatives to watching T.V.

Fortunately, I got to take part in two county fairs this year! I was honored to be a judge in the Miss Clarke County Fair Pageant along with TV3’s Denise Chandler and Bill Duvall. I also entered my jam and salsa in the Jefferson County fair where I won two blue ribbons!

Time for a trip down memory lane…