The Coshocton County Fair is about the past, present and future
Sure, that’s quite a lengthy headline for a subject that’s familiar to everyone in Coshocton County. It’s exciting to see the calendar flip to September and even more so as we hit the autumn season. We’re so fortunate that our county fair is the next to last fair in the state with only Fairfield next on the list.
Why you ask? I think the answer is simple, really. It’s fall. Harvest time, cooler days, fall foliage, sweater vests (okay, threw that one in), but perhaps most importantly, it’s the tradition. There’s something about seeing all those vacant and shuttered white buildings over the winter, spring and summer months – and then, for one glorious week in the fall, they teem with life, both human and livestock.
The past of the fair means many memories. For me, the best ones are the childhood memories of showing livestock, spending time in the arcade (lots and lots of time – and quarters), enjoying mom’s delicious goodies in the camper and running around the fairgrounds with friends. Ask anyone that spent similar time at the fair like this and I believe they will agree – those were good times. For many families, the fair is more than just one day, it is a week or more, and for the members of the senior fair board, it’s much, much more than that. And the members of the junior fair board do their fair share too!
And that’s what keeps me coming back in the present. You can call it nostalgia, silliness or whatever you wish, but to me, with everything so crazy in the world, it’s nice to have something familiar and consistent like the fair roll around each year. I’m not referring to the food as silliness, but let’s go there! We all know that’s another huge part and reason for attending the fair. Whether it’s your favorite French Fry stand, best place to grab a burger, caramel apple, box of popcorn, those delectable donuts at the Rotary stand under the grandstand, or supporting your school eat stand, the food is its own category at the fair. Sure, we all know that a lot of it is not good for us, but we’re talking about a few days here, not a lifestyle. Enjoy it while it’s here.
What does the future look like for the Coshocton County Fair? Improvements will continue to be made, buildings will be worked on and maintained, and kids will bring their livestock and special interest projects to the fair each year. Local businesses, organizations and members of this community and beyond will continue to support the youth at the junior fair auction. I am sure that your favorite food vendor will have a presence and band members and volunteers will work the many hours at the Coshocton, Ridgewood and River View food stands. These folks put in hours and hours – support them during the fair and beyond.
Yet, there are always folks that will complain about this or that. That’s fine, you’re still allowed to speak your mind as far as I know – but suggestions for improving are more welcome than complaints. And if you really want to get involved, you can run for the senior fair board. Being on the inside of something provides a different perspective. To wrap up, let’s take a moment to thank all those that make the Coshocton County Fair an annual event – and the opportunity to make lots of fair memories. It’s a great fair, always has been and always will be. Let’s go.
Category: Mark's Musings, Opinion
