Duane A. Lienemann,
UNL Extension Educator,
Webster County
July 20, 2012 Edition
Well, it is here for many Nebraska Counties, including mine, – It’s Fair Time! I know that by the time that many will read this column that we, in the county in which I live, will be in the middle of County Fair. I also know that a couple of surrounding fairs are just finishing up, right in the middle of, or perhaps just beginning their run. It tiz the season……
This fair is special to me as it is my 40th Webster County Fair as a volunteer, FFA Advisor, and now the last 13 years as an Extension Educator, and head of the 4-H program. Unfortunately this year is special in another way, because this is the first one I will be attending as more of a spectator. I have always been a little accident prone and those that have been at the fair with me each year will remember some of my “shocking” experiences, falls off ladders, dropping panels on toes – well you get the idea. Only this time I did it really good right before the fair. For you that hadn’t already heard via the small town grapevine, I took a rather nasty fall and ended up fracturing my arm and bruising my hip. Needless to say, that has left me rather helpless and impotent when it comes to being much good at setting up, preparing and helping to run the fair. I know, my timing was really rotten, and regardless as some may suggest, was not planned!
I have found that even this klutzy move, or unfortunate landing, has actually turned out to make this fair even more special, because of all the great support that has come from other educators across our area, 4-H leaders, Junior Leaders, FFA Advisors and many volunteers in the county who have called, and have stepped up to take the pressure off of me and my staff. It speaks volumes about what makes up a community and a small rural community. All I can say is Thank You!
In last week’s column I spent some time outlining the virtues of the county fair, and in particular -the country in county fair. I knew when I wrote the piece that fair was just around the corner, but Holy Cow – did that week go fast. Every year I wonder if we will get everything done that needs to be done. You hope the judges will remember to come, that the weather cooperates, and behind it all is the hope that everything goes like it is supposed to, or at least how you have it planned. Ultimately people, like me and the many volunteers and staff that work to pull off this wonder of country life, just hope that the young people, their families and the people in our collective communities have a great time, and that the experiences and opportunities are positive ones for our youth. I know in visiting with fair board members and particularly the parents, FFA advisors and 4-H Leaders that this is a labor of love. Almost to a “T” they all say it is about the kids!
It will not be long now and all the static exhibits will be in place, and you will hear that cacophony of sounds that make each and every fair what it is. The sounds of chickens, roosters and ducks, as well as the incessant bleating of sheep and goats, the grunts and squeals of pigs always wanting to eat, and of course the gentle mooing of the bovine species as they lay in their stalls or are walked to their tie outs or perhaps to the watering tank. What is especially music to my ears is the excited chatter of the kids as they catch up with their friends and discuss how much better their animal is than the one they had last year. It just doesn’t get any better than that for this old “crippled” fair junkie. It is what makes me tick!
The “tank.” I have to tell you that when you see that water tank – you know what the future will hold as the fair winds down and the last day arrives. That is when you know the work is done, the awards have been presented and it is time to let your hair down. You never want to turn your back to a young 4-H’er on the last day of the fair unless you are prepared to change clothes or at the very least cool down with an impromptu shower. Then these young people are off to the demo derby and the rodeo or perhaps the carnival rides, just as excited and full of energy as they were on opening day.
As this column hits the newspapers, we will be right smack in the middle of our fair and I should know if everything is going smoothly, as you would hope it will. It seems we always get a couple of blistering days and hopefully a good shot of rain or likely a quick storm during the fair - and one thing is for certain - it is over much quicker than what you thought it would be. I do know that the old bones and muscles don’t forgive the extra workout they receive this time of year like they used to. I end up hurting in places I didn’t know I had. Feet, hips, legs, arms, and back all start giving detail to the abuse of former years, and that will be even more obvious this year I am sure. And this will be the end result, even if I will spend most of my time with a cane or in a golf cart or gator this year. It is always hot, but it does seems much hotter than it used to (even in cooler days), the distances between buildings and events seem a lot further apart, and the nights seem later and the mornings earlier. But you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The main reason is that it is about the kids. I can’t wait to see them prepare and show their animals, to watch them run, yes, I said run – from one building to another or perhaps to the 4-H Food Stand, or maybe to help chase a wayward lamb or calf that slipped its halter. I can’t wait to see the parade of animals in front of the judge, and walk through the 4-H and FFA exhibit hall to the smell of fresh baked goods and the beauty of photography, horticultural items, unique wood or metal projects, sewed goods, etc. It really doesn’t get any better than this for people like me. Strangely those inflictions I spoke of miraculously seem to go away. If you haven’t made it over to the fair yet – come on over. And when you do, give me a holler and then sit in the bleachers at the show arena or one of the many benches around the grounds and watch. See if you can see what I see. Sit back and enjoy this little bit of Americana – while we still have it!
The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu or go to the website at: www.webster.unl.edu/home
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