The Fair Came to Town

It is the weekend. These two days are the reprieve that 95% of Americans look forward to each week. Sleeping in, going hunting, fishing, spending time in their yard, partying with friends, doing something they love, coaching at the ball fields, spectating sports live or on incredible home systems, or maybe even doing nothing at all. Ah, the two days of freedom we look forward to for five days before. Coming from the coaching world, I never really had that kind of schedule. There were times I yearned for that schedule but there are also times I enjoy going somewhere on a Wednesday and there is no one else there.

The whole point of that little paragraph was to set the explanation for missing my normal schedule. The Polk County Youth Fair concluded last night and went late Thursday. I should’ve written Thursday night, but once I got home I just went to bed preparing for the next day. I don’t have any excuses other than it was late. The real warriors this week are the teachers, volunteers, students, and parents who dedicate hours for the chance to be a champion at the Fair. For years, our family only did the horse portion, which is on the first Saturday and kind of off the back of the actual Fair that occurs the rest of the week. Since our daughter is now in high school and in FFA, she has friends who are actively involved in other aspects.

During our lives we become so focused on what we do, how we do it, and how well we do it that we forget others do the exact same thing in their own lives. The Youth Fair brings all those disciplines together and students can focus on one or diversify and attempt at few. Some are more labor intensive than others, but all require focus, dedication, education, and constant care. Each of the participants can win ribbons for first, second, or third, and in some of the classes there are overall grand champions. These kids approach the Fair as we approach our own lives. Some want to win, some enjoy being there with friends, and some do what they do because “it’s what they are supposed to do”. There is that group that falls in all three categories. There are laughs, tears, fights, frustration, family time, and many late nights.

The Youth Fair is an agricultural based competition and ties in both 4H and FFA organizations. The big event to wrap up the show is the steer and heifer sale. These kids raise their calf, train it, groom it, and anything else to make it the best in show. Then, after developing a relationship with the bovine they have named, spent hours with, and trained for this competition, they watch it go up for auction to the highest bidder. It sounds cruel but how are we supposed to teach them about growing a herd, learning to look for problems with their growth, coat care, and feeding needs. If they can learn on one, see their success selling it, they can repeat that again and again. Not only are there cows, there are hogs, goats, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, dog obedience, and the horse show. There are animals everywhere.

But wait, there is more. Students can grow plants of many varieties and they are also sold to the highest bidder. They can compete in place setting, sewing, wood working, storytelling, canning, baked goods, metal works, eco projects, goat tying, archery, whip popping, photography, and many more things that require skills and dedication. This week is the culmination of work that has been going on for months. Very much like all the pursuits we chase as adults. There are only a few winners in each class, sometimes there are some failures, but for the rest, they gave their best or the best that they had and enjoyed the experience. For some, the failures will push them to try harder next time and for others they will quit and say they cannot do it. Sounds like society. Thursday night was the commercial steer competition and it was amazing watching the students move their steers around the arena. The kids gave it their all but there could only be one winner. You could see the jubilation and frustration as the winners were called. The truth hurts but it teaches lessons. These kids are tough and the educators who spend time with them are just as involved. Parents love their kids and the bias is what it is. I love that about competitions. Of course, I baked the best pie, showed the best, and cared for my animal the best. Yes, I did the best I could on that day with what I had. There are times that others are just better on that day. Parents, be proud of the effort. Yes, it is expensive, time consuming, and at times just plain old mind-numbing. It is okay that it didn’t work out. Learn the lessons from it and move forward to the next tasks.

I’m proud of all the competitors. It is great watching kids attempt things that make them uncomfortable. The growth that occurs during these moments will teach them so much if we let it. Everyone made it through and the preparations for next year may have already begun. There are some tired parents, teachers, and students this morning. Enjoy your weekend, everyone of you deserves the rest.