Now is the time to gear up for the Jefferson County Fair. In just over a week, youth and adults will be lining up with arts and crafts projects, 4-H projects, garden produce and baked goods for the judges to review and award those coveted ribbons. Photographs will line the walls in one of the buildings at the fairgrounds while youth-only artwork and drawings will be displayed as well. All exhibits must be entered on Saturday, Aug. 18 and anyone in Jefferson County can enter. The excitement of coming back to the exhibit buildings after the judging to see if ribbons adorn your work fills one with anticipation.

Along with these exhibits, there are many in the county who bring their animals to the fair to parade before the judges. Horses, goats, pigs, cows, chickens, rabbits, sheep…they can all be found with their faithful owners watching over them. Many of the animals then go on the market during the auction on the last day of the sale.

The Jefferson County Fair Association has done an exceptional job in its continuation of the annual fair. Celebrating 60 years this year, the event offers something for everyone whether it be to see the exhibits, ride the rides, enjoy the entertainment or indulge in the tastes found only at the fair. The volunteers put in countless hours to make each year a success with much of the business determined by the weather.

One thing the Association should look at, in our opinion, is the provision of some big-name entertainment. Currently, the fair showcases local bands, which are very nice, but all of the fairs around us provide major recording artists at their venues. The signing of such an artist could be a big money-maker for the local fair and provide a reason for many who don’t normally come out to the fair, to hit the midway. Excuses such as a poor stage area were addressed when the arena was developed. Perhaps an investment in a bit of additional fencing to separate the area for the show would be in order; however, it would pay for itself with the first show. We encourage the fair organizers to move forward with their entertainment and look for a way to provide a major artist to the residents of the county.

In the meantime, mark your calendars for Fair Week, Aug. 18-25. Fair books and schedules are available at all of the local banks. There is something for everyone and it’s a great way to wrap up the summer.