This week we would usually be finalizing plans for our local SEMO (Southeast Missouri) District Fair. Instead, thanks to COVID-19, it’s just a regular week of the year. We won’t be preparing chickens for shows or finishing up 4-H projects. My stash of canned goods (the best of each batch) that I’d be entering for judging has been returned to the regular “pantry” area to be eaten like all the rest. Next week I won’t be enjoying my traditional pork burger at the county 4-H food stand, or talking myself into the small bag of salt water taffy instead of the bigger box, or meandering through the livestock tents…
They canceled it back in July so it’s not like it’s a new announcement. Like most of this year’s canceled events, the fair board made the announcement via Facebook. I read it. I may have cried. I wasn’t terribly shocked- a lot of people suspected it was coming. I wasn’t sure how to tell Lando that he wouldn’t have the chance to show his chickens. I actually waited a couple days to share the news. “Hey bud, I’ve got some bad news. They canceled SEMO Fair.” “Okay.” “So you won’t be able to show your chickens or take any 4-H projects.” “Okay.” “Really, you’re okay with that? I thought you’d be more upset. I know I am. And I haven’t told Ms Heather yet.” “I’m okay that they canceled it. She’s probably going to scream though. And maybe cry.” My son knows us well.
It’s hard to describe, but I feel like it connects me back to my agricultural roots a little. Maybe it’s a reminder of where I came from and where I’m working on getting back to. When I was growing up the fair was the “big event” of the fall. It was the final chance to showcase 4-H and FFA projects- whether it was a birdhouse for woodworking, a cute sunflower apron I sewed myself, or market steers shown around the ring and then auctioned off to local businesses. In grade school it meant getting let out at noon on Friday so we would have a chance to ride the carnival rides before the big crowds took over. In high school it meant being off the entire week so we could be at the fairgrounds everyday to care for our animals and keep them washed and presentable. Now it means getting to watch my son enjoy all that same stuff. I love the anxiousness of going by to see what ribbons he’s won and getting to see the look of joy on his face when he sees that his hardwork has paid off. Yes, I’ll admit it-it’s not just his ribbons I’m excited to see-I get to earn ribbons and bragging rights too. (My perfectly canned corn and zucchini relish each won blue ribbons last year by the way). I like checking out the livestock that my cousins’ kids have worked hard to raise, being able to hang out and talk a bit about how their pig showed and who earned the showmanship trophy or won grand champion. It’s fun to check out the other canned goods on display and make notes for next year. I guess we’ll have to wait for 2021 to show off our bread making skills.
Blue ribbon cockerel 
Look at all that blue! 
Could’ve been a 2020 entry…
Speaking of earning ribbons and showing things off- remember the incubator that Lando built from a styrofoam cooler? Obviously he won’t be able to take it to SEMO Fair, but because of it being canceled we were invited to join in on a county 4-H fair. (Our 4-H club is in Bollinger County and because we’re so small it’s sometimes difficult to hold bigger events like a county fair.) It wasn’t open to the public or even for us to be able to walk through, more of a drop items off and let them be looked over by a panel of judges kind of thing. The main purpose was for the kids to earn some ribbons and recognition. So at least Lando had a chance to show off his incubator. And a chance to earn a coveted blue ribbon. And for that blue ribbon winner to be selected to move onto the Missouri State Fair. And for that state fair exhibit to earn a giant green Best in Show ribbon!!!!! So, while I didn’t get to see it in person, I still get to share pictures of it while bragging on my kid a bit (or a lot). Coincidentally, a friend and semi-close neighbor DID get to see it in person while they had a vendor tent up there so that’s pretty cool!
County Fair Blue! 
State Fair Green!