Are State Fairs Still Relevant in These Modern Times?

The early days of August are filled with outdoor fun, back to school shopping and state fairs. Once upon a time a large portion of the United States was agriculture based with "Jr." and state fairs serving as not only a social hub in rural areas, but a defacto trade school for young farmers. In this modern era are state fairs still relevant or are they just places to go for corn dogs, amusement rides and concerts?

Members of thousands of 4-H clubs across the United States would argue the benefits of learning how to care for animals and grow healthy produce. Department of Natural Resources representatives utilize state fairs to promote muscle-powered outdoor activities and to educate the public about upcoming events and safety courses.

Exhibits and contests at state fairs around the country use their spaces to highlight the contributions of the agriculture industry. The "Ohio Agriculture is Cool" youth video contest at the 2011 state fair held in Columbus showcased the economic impact farming has in the Buckeye State.

From the creative mind of a high school student Diane Gress sprang an entertaining and informative video depicting industry facts in cartoon type fashion. Many consumers simply run to the grocery store when they need a round of Swiss cheese, carton of milk or to pick up some ice cream for a birthday party without giving a thought to where or how the items are produced. Food and milk are among the few items customers can purchase which are still made in America. Small and large farms employ a multitude of workers in the rural United States, with an increasing number promoting organic growing practices.

The youth agriculture, floriculture and horticulture competitions at state fairs not only provide participants with feedback on their skills but offer the chance to attend workshops with professionals in the respective environmental fields and earn college scholarships. An increasing number of state fairs in America are offering fine arts and creative arts competitions to promote regional artisans and local small businesses. Muscle-powered contests such as weight lifting, wrestling, cheerleading, baton twirling and boxing are also popular activities for both youth and adult competitors.

Florida state fair organizers take their commitment to promoting the American farm industry very seriously. The "Agribusiness" department fosters not only the study of "green" farming practices but actively engages with the state's small and organic farmers to promote locally grown produce. Youngsters in the "Sunshine State" can embark upon an "Ag" adventure with the "Touch, Taste and See Florida Agriculture workshop. Florida's Agriculture Commodity Organization benefits from the project which introduces farmer's markets around the state to visitors while educating potential customers about the nutritional benefits of Florida produce.

Nostalgic memories of a state fair during our youth may spring to mind "Charlotte's Web" images, but the twenty-first century events offer all the traditional livestock and farming competitions but focus on a broader range of state specific attributes as well.