Straight from the Horses Mouth.

Duane A. Lienemann
UNL Extension Educator

       As I write this week’s edition I am sitting in my chair with my feet up, my face and arms feeling warm and red from the sun. I was not sitting on a boat in the middle of the lake or sitting on a tractor out in the field – I just completed my first day of the Webster County Fair.  Our fair for many years has started out with a clean-up/setup and then kick off the youth shows with the annual 4-H Horse Show.  With the playing of the National Anthem, horses neighing in the background, the chatter subdued as the song streams from the speakers strategically placed on the crow’s nest overlooking the rodeo arena.  Soon, the hats go back on and the competition begins. The first of many youth 4-H and FFA activities all mixed in later with the entertainment for the entire community with a whole array of activities including one of the oldest rodeo’s in the state. You throw in all that goes with that, a carnival, the food and the annual mix of communities coming together to provide the continuation of a tradition like no other – all across America.
     Believe it or not, county fair is upon us.  While it seems like we were just holding the 2013 Webster County Fair, the 2014 fair is a reality and on its way to another notch in the rich history of this event. Historical in many ways, which was brought home to me this morning when one of our 4-H parents brought me a newspaper. It was the Bladen, NE newspaper dated October 5, 1906. The neat thing about it was that it was reporting the very first Webster County Fair that was held the week before in Bladen.  It had been held since the 1870’s in Red Cloud, before relocating to Bladen.  What a blast from the past. A copy of the paper will be posted on the new marquee, that was built and placed by Eagle Scout candidate Dylan Buschow, right on the northeast corner of the newly renovated 4-H & FFA Exhibit Hall. It is a fun read, and yes I was asked if I remember that first fair. Funny, but not funny!  Ok I suppose to some it seems I have been there that long!
     The upcoming activities at this fair means that 4-H and FFA members are in the home stretch with their general static and livestock projects. All of those hours of practicing and working with projects will come to fruition when the project is presented before the judge during county fair. Of course the nerves are just starting to work, Anticipation for both the young exhibitor, but his/her parents and it seems to me many grandparents who do not miss a beat in supporting their current generation.  It is fun to hear the older members of the communities talk lovingly about their day in the sun.
    Some people may wonder why 4-H and FFA members go to all of that hard work.  What are they really getting out of these organizations and especially this county fair participation?  Probably the most obvious answer is responsibility. Something that I feel is sorely missing in many parts of our country today. It is gratifying to me to see this attribute demonstrated by our youth, many times side by side with their parents.
    Through 4-H and FFA projects, members learn that they are responsible for seeing that project all the way through to the end.  They learn how to encounter and overcome hardships.  Whether it’s feeding and caring for a livestock project or sewing a garment, 4-H and FFA members learn responsibility through their project completion and have the opportunity to show what they’ve learned at county fair. They learn the basics of life and the reality of hard work, perspiration and the fruits of their labor. They learn the lessons of life including knowing that in the livestock world, they must say goodbye to what, many times, becomes a member of the family, a cherished part of their world-- their animals, who they know and understand will enter the food chain to supply sustenance and more to the people across the world! The price they must pay as a part of the responsibility that they take upon themselves, perhaps as a career choice.
    As I was pondering the importance of our county fair for 4-H/FFA members and the general public, I remembered an article written by one of my favorite cowboy poets, Baxter Black.  This particular article brings out another point about why county fairs and 4-H are important, not only to the youngsters of today, but our great nation as a whole.  These young members are learning important lessons, lessons which may just help them continue the tradition of feeding and clothing the world. Mr. Black says it best in his article, “County Fairs, Why?”  I encourage you to find that article and read it. The following is an excerpt from his article and I quote. 
     “Farm kids start learning the land and livestock when they are old enough to carry a bucket.  When they help with the daily chores they are practicing.  It’s like taking piano lessons or tennis lessons except what farm kids learn has a much more profound objective; feeding us all. Our culture expends a great deal of effort on future NBA stars, astronauts, environmental lawyers, doctors, and political science majors.  But for every 100 rock starts, Rhoades Scholars and Heisman trophy winners our country produces, we better make sure we spend enough to train at least two future farmers, so the rest of them can eat.  That is the essence of the county fair. Beneath all the fun, auctions, and show ribbons, the serious business of learning how to make a living off the land continues like an underground river.”
    As the 2014 Webster County Fair continues and especially comes to an end this coming weekend, please consider Mr. Black’s words.  While in the midst of 4-H/FFA projects, young members may not fully realize what important lessons they are learning.  But they will understand one day, when they are fully engaged in utilizing their surroundings and past experiences to either carry on the farming and ranching tradition, or pursuing a career in a different field! I love the fair!

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