Beyond blue ribbons and funnel cakes

County Fairs important for ag advocacy

For nearly a century or more in most counties in Arkansas, the county fair has been a tradition, a source of pride, a learning opportunity for youth, and a way to keep folks connected to the important part agriculture plays in our communities and economy. In addition to being just plain fun.

Johnny Gunsaulis, Benton County Extension office Staff Chair, explains the crucial role of the county fair.

“I think historically the fair has been for folks to get an idea how their own production methods measured up against the production methods of other farmers,” he explains. “Today, this is a part of the fair, but I think a bigger part is connecting with others in the county involved in the same types of ag that you are, bringing ag displays for non-ag folks to appreciate, showcasing local ag production, and highlighting youth work in the county.”

But the tradition and importance of the fair goes beyond the agricultural nuts and bolts.

“I think it adds a sense of place,” Johnny says. “It helps people think about other people and connect with them. And there’s certainly an economic boost to the local economy while the fair is going on.”

Johnny remembers showing at the Benton County Fair as a youngster. Fair week was a big deal in Bentonville, complete with a big parade.

“The fairgrounds were just south of downtown Bentonville. I showed steers,” he recalls. “I remember a lot of us slept in the barn with our animals. There’d be a bunch of kids crashed out all over on straw bales.

It was fun.”

Johnny says he still sees some of those childhood fair friends in his dealings in the county.

In 2004, Benton County celebrated 100 years of the Benton County Fair. The 118th Annual Benton County Fair will run September 27 through October 1, 2022.

You don’t have to live on a farm or raise livestock to be part of a county fair. Look for fair books at your extension office detailing dozens of free classes to enter, or check the website of your county fair for online registration. From food preservation, baking, gardening and crafts the county fair offers it all.

Here are some of the county fairs this summer and fall. Check with your local extension office or county fair board for the fair in your county.