County Fairs - Authentic Engagement Means Knowing the Culture of Agriculture

In the heart of rural Midwest communities, one cannot underestimate the significance of county fairs. Beyond the kaleidoscopic whirl of Ferris wheels and the tempting aroma of funnel cakes lies a socio-cultural tapestry that intertwines tradition, community bonds, and agricultural heritage. As you begin to get to know your project community, you will want to hone in on the layers of importance embedded in these seemingly simple gatherings. And the time to reach out to your county fair boards is now as planning for the next fair begins as the last one ends.

County fairs serve as more than just seasonal entertainment; they are dynamic expressions of communal identity. Rooted in the agrarian fabric of the Midwest, these events celebrate the very essence of rural life. They provide a platform for local farmers to showcase their hard work, fostering a sense of pride and interconnectedness within the community. The judging of livestock, the display of meticulously grown crops, and the competitions that unfold beneath the summer sun are not merely contests but narratives of dedication and resilience.

Moreover, county fairs act as communal theaters where cultural traditions are performed and passed down through generations. From 4-H exhibits to pie-baking contests, these events encapsulate a living history, preserving and transmitting the skills and values that define rural life. In the midst of carnival rides and games, one can discern an educational undercurrent, a subtle but vital force shaping the collective consciousness of these communities.

In essence, county fairs are living, breathing textbooks, offering valuable insights into the cultural richness and community vitality that define these agricultural communities. What better way to become fully immersed and participate meaningfully than at the county fair?

How to get involved:

• Buy at the Livestock Sale - Supporting the county fair's livestock sale makes a positive impression, whether in the early stages or actively permitting your project. It celebrates the future of farming, benefiting the next generation, and welcomes businesses and farming families to contribute to the community. Strategic bidding on the kids or grandkids of target landowners, signed landowners, or project neighbors adds a personal touch. Purchasing breed champions may even land you in the local paper alongside your 4H-ers, or consider "add-ons" to extend your budget to more kids. While the livestock sale might seem challenging, you can seek guidance from a friendly landowner or local supporter for orientation. Stay tuned for additional tips on navigating livestock sales as we explore county fairs further next spring.

• Attend in Branding - Mark your calendar to attend the local fair. The most popular days are the weekend, popular livestock show days and, of course, sale day. Make sure you wear something branded and pull out those boots! Check out the local programming (often a schedule is available online) for any events that make peak your interest such as appearance of a county commissioner or the livestock show where your target landowner’s grandson is showing.

• Sponsorships - Early Q1 provides an ideal window to connect with the local fair board about sponsorship opportunities. Engaging with them during this time allows for valuable guidance on how to be most impactful. Since certain businesses consistently claim the same sponsorship each year, it's essential to complement rather than compete when supporting both the fair and 4H initiatives.

• Fair Contests - Some fairs host contests open to farm families, elected officials, and businesses, providing an excellent opportunity to enhance visibility and engage authentically. A case in point is the Morrow County, Ohio Fair, which organized a round hay bale decorating contest. The creatively adorned bales were showcased across the fairgrounds, serving as a unique platform for community education and participation.

• Vendor Booth - Not for the faint of heart or the resource-light, obtaining a vendor booth at the fair presents a priceless opportunity. It allows you to leave a lasting impression on elected officials as they stroll the fairgrounds, engage with fellow vendors, such as local beekeepers or representatives of service agencies that may be tied to project tax benefits, and connect with the public. Most importantly, it serves as a platform to identify supporters. Distribute branded swag, candy, and project information to attract and engage attendees. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the number of supportive individuals approaching. Seize this moment to collect their contact information, perhaps through a sign-in sheet, and extend invitations for coffee or upcoming events.

Benefits:

• Make a Good Impression - Engaging at the fair offers diverse opportunities for involvement, each providing valuable PR and the opportunity to have a positive experience. Whether volunteering with your project logo, sponsoring the demolition derby, or being acknowledged as a buyer at the livestock sale, having your brand visible contributes positively to community engagement.

• Datapoints - As you navigate the fair, keep your eyes peeled for the community's story. Check out those displays about local heritage, spot the businesses in the mix, wave hello to the big farming families, notice the lively livestock groups, and don't forget to savor the signature fair food – Cattlemen's Association’s ribeye sandwiches are my personal favorite! Approach the fair like you're stepping into a vibrant classroom, eager to learn and soak in all the local flavor.

• Critical Stakeholder Engagement Opportunities - Since the fair serves as the yearly hub for the agricultural community, rest assured that crucial stakeholders will be present. A brief greeting or introduction may seem small, but it yields the intangible advantage of making a positive impression. Expect familiar faces such as state and congressional representatives, local elected officials (township trustees and county commissioners), and other influential figures like Farm Bureau leaders, engaged business owners, respected farming families, and local agencies potentially linked to tax benefits for your project. Your participation won't go unnoticed by these key players.

In wrapping up, your involvement at the fair won't slip under the radar. While it might feel like stretching the budget or juggling man-hours, the returns are worth it and could distinguish you from other developers in the community. Stay tuned for "County Fairs: Part 2" in the Spring and please reach out if you need further assistance in navigating your county fair!