The Fair is 4-H

I first fell in love with the 4-H Program as a Chautauqua County Legislator. Growing up in Dunkirk, I attended the Fair every July like clockwork — but my memories as a kid were more about the midway and fried dough than they were about the true strength behind the Chautauqua County Fair.

As a legislator, I sat in awe every year at budget time when Cornell Cooperative Extension led its large 4-H contingent of students into our Mayville Chamber. This 124-year-old national program raises up future generations of farmers and helps support local agricultural heritage and continued progress.

The presenting kids typically ranged in age from middle to high school and attended the budget hearing to invariably advocate for our county’s number one industry: Agriculture. They well-represented their next-generation significance, as the “boots on the ground” in what may effectively be described as a critical economic retention effort. Back then, 4-Hers like Cassie Skal — now grown up and featured on page 4 — would stand confidently and present the inarguable case as to why county funding for the Extension should continue.

As the skillful advocates they were, their relationship-building between policymakers and constituents didn’t stop with budget time. County officials were invited to the Farmer Neighbor dinners, the meat auctions and most especially, the big kahuna of the year: the Chautauqua County Fair, where our community’s hardest working kids put their time and talents on full display. The cannon would sound, kicking off the fair each year, and the barn tours would begin. I’ve spent scores of hours within those barns — listening to 4-H-ers tell their story; admiring parents overnighting on cots with crockpots; and taking in the sights, smells and sounds of cows, pigs, chickens, horses, rabbits, goats and handmade 4-H-er milkshakes.

More than a decade has gone by since I left the County Legislature, but the firsthand example of the 4-H-ers commitment to local agriculture has stuck with this “city girl” and helped foster my deeper sense of appreciation for the faces and families behind the Fair. It’s the reason why this dedicated edition means such a great deal to me and why I hope to share that excitement and true passion behind the County Fair with you. We offer a sincere thank you to the Chautauqua County Fair Board for providing for this special opportunity.

So now, go grab your tickets and enjoy the week! Ride the rides, savor the fair food, appreciate the exhibits, take in the shows, but please, don’t forget to thank a farmer. Especially a 4-H-er!