Fair season is upon us

Every year over 3,200 agricultural fairs take place across the country. From the first American fair in 1807 to today, fairs have had an important part in our nation’s history. All walks of life, young or old, from the country or the city, will gather together in a shared experience that has deep roots in our American culture.

Fairs were first started as a way to exhibit produce, livestock and home goods. An element of education was added to show the public new discoveries of effective farming by displaying the latest farm equipment and agriculture techniques. Of course, the spirit of competition comes in the form of everything from domestic products and entertainment to horseracing and plowing contests. Last, but not least, is the carnival which emerged in the 1890s, from its medieval roots into what we know today, to the delight of thrill seekers everywhere.

For months, volunteers have already been in preparation for this year’s Garland County Fair to be held Sept. 7-15. Over 3,000 entries from youth and adults will represent our county, schools and clubs in areas of Livestock, Arts and Crafts, Horticulture, Pageant and Talent competitions. Countless hours will go into making all of these competitions happen, as well as maintaining and supervising the buildings the entire week of the fair. Garland County can be proud of its residents’ hard work and volunteer spirit.

In addition to preparing for the competitions, volunteers are already preparing for the tasty treats we have all come to expect at the fair. 4-H leaders, parents and youth will serve in the Clover Café with all of the proceeds to support the 4-H youth program of Garland County. The Extension Homemakers’ Kitchen will also be preparing homemade and freshly prepared meals of ham and beans and delicious desserts like the Extension Homemaker’s famous donuts. The 4-H and EHC clubs of Garland County work hard in the kitchen and elsewhere to make the fair an enjoyable experience for all.

Speaking of fairs, be sure to mark your calendar for the 50th Anniversary of the Hot Springs Arts and Craft Fair, Oct. 5-7 at the Garland County Fairgrounds. There will be over eight buildings to house the 300+ crafters who will be showcasing throughout the weekend. Admission and parking are free. An Arts and Crafts “taxi” will be available for transportation to and from your car, along with free use of wheelchairs and strollers and ATM machines for your convenience. Once again the Extension Homemakers’ Kitchen will be open for your favorite homemade foods — chili, chicken salad, sweet potato fries, and the ever-so-yummy ham and beans and donuts!

For more information on the Garland County Fair, check out their website for details on all of the fun events and competitions. Some deadlines for entries are Sept. 1, so be sure to enter online soon.

On Aug. 17 at 9 a.m. at the Garland County Detention Center, 3564 Albert Pike Road, Allen Bates, County Extension Agent, Agriculture, will conduct a Red Imported Fire Ant Control Field Day. Along with the Fire Ant Demonstration, there will be Soil Growing Mediums Comparison, an Electric Fencing for Deer Demonstration, and a Tour of the Teaching Garden.

4-H

There are 4-H clubs for Garland County youths 5-19 years old. For information, call the Extension Office at 623-6841 or email Linda Bates at lbates@uaex.edu.

EHC

Interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? For information, call Alison Crane at 623-6841 or email acrane@uaex.edu.

Master Gardeners

If interested in becoming a Master Gardener and would like information, the public is welcome to attend the meeting at 1 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Elks Lodge, 132 Abbott Place; call the Extension office or email abates@uaex.edu.