Let Your Inner Child Shine

Below is an article written and published in the Robesonian and Robeson Journal by our own, Shea Ann DeJarnette.

I admit it.  I’m a great big kid at heart.  I still love all the things I loved as a child.  One of those things is the fair.  I remember my mom would take me to the county fair for one afternoon (three to four hours if I was really good while she dragged me through the exhibits) and would let me ride the rides.  I thought it was the greatest treat ever.  It’s an excitement that really hasn’t subsided.

            In an effort at full disclosure I must admit, I am a little more involved in our county fair than the average 4-H Agent because I am also on the fair board.  That just adds to my excitement level.  In my paid position I am organizing livestock shows, poultry judging, and helping out in the livestock building.  In my volunteer position, well, that list is a little longer.  What I can tell you is there is a lot of work, from a lot of volunteers, behind the scenes to make nine days of family fun that will etch memories for a lifetime, and make you want to come back a year from now.

            The first thing most young people ask about is the rides.  We have rides of all sizes, for all ages, and of varying speeds (for those who do not want to risk their corn dog coming up as they spin around). Many of these rides leave our fair and head directly to the state fair.  Not many county fairs can boast such top notch rides.  Although that was my attraction as a child, my sights have shifted to the other aspects of the fair and the real reason we have it - to celebrate agriculture.

            In the exhibit buildings you will find booths from our 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA), and Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) clubs.  You will see competition from who grows the best corn, grapes, and gourds to who bakes the best cake, sews the nicest quilts, and makes the nicest crafts.  You can see blue ribbon animals, get free gardening tips, and learn about unique groups such as the Robeson County Beekeepers.  I must admit, if I were not on the fair board I would probably enter the Chicken Picking Contest, National Chicken Bog Cook-Off, and probably try my hand at entering crafty things into the home exhibit areas.  (Hint, hint - there is no reason you shouldn’t go for it, and enter one of these great competitions.)

            So if you would like to let your inner child loose, come on out to the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair October 2-11.  Think about competing in one of the hundreds of home exhibit entries or in one of the many contests.  To learn more about all the incredible things going on at the fair, check out the fair website at www.robesoncountyfair.com.  If you have a smart phone, download our free app (something brand new this year); the link is: http://my.yapp.us/2FYW4Q.  The app will keep you up to date with the schedule, allow you to check out our Twitter feeds, let you post pictures of your favorite fair experiences, and much more.  If you see me, or someone in a fair shirt, be sure to stop us and let us know your inner child’s favorite part of the fair.

            For more information, please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette, Extension 4-H Agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center, at 671-3276, by E-mail at Shea_Ann_DeJarnette@ncsu.edu, or visit our website at http://robeson.ces.ncsu.edu/.  North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.  In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation.