Events like this past Saturday with the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally are a gut punch to many rural Americans.
Thankfully the former president was not seriously injured, although one supporter died during the shooting. Trump and President Joe Biden got it right when they both said America must do better and try to tone down the rhetoric. It’s not just at presidential election time, but people can get downright ornery, and that makes it uncomfortable for everyone around them.
In rural America, we can offer respite. Many county fairs are on the docket as youth and open class contestants look to capture top prizes from traditional categories that include photography, livestock, horticulture, clothing and food.
A time to reminsce
As a former 4-H’er many years ago, I can remember the excitement of not only competing but seeing and visiting with classmates. Where our family grew up in rural America, the fair was in mid-July. Summer baseball season was finished, and the school year was getting near.
However, fair was always a highlight because it was the crown jewel of what summer was all about. Occasionally we heard stories about parents or a 4-H’er who might be upset with a judge’s decision. It was natural because of the pride families have in their children. The weather could be stiflingly hot. Tempers could flare when taking care of livestock because those animals also felt the heat and could be cantankerous. Plus, some 4-H’ers had to stay and do chores when they probably wanted to go to the carnival with their friends.
However, cooler heads always prevailed. Parents, oftentimes the ones who were on the fair boards or chambers of commerce, always rallied and put the best foot forward. In the back of their minds, it was more important that when a fair was over, there was time to review and evaluate. They also knew it was important to say thanks to judges and county Extension agents and their staffs.
Set a good example
Unchecked grumbling and complaining could leave a sour taste in the mouth of a 4-H’er or FFA member who through no fault of his or her own were stung by insensitive remarks. As my dad once told me, never blame the 4-H’er or FFA member when his or her parent was out of line.
As a long-time believer in what a county fair meant economically to a town, he also knew that it represented the fabric of what a community and rural America was all about.
As I reflect on the past week’s events, it serves as a reminder about the 4-H motto: “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country and my world.”
A county fair is not an escape from society, but a welcoming venue to reinforce that what we do and what we can do in rural America does make a difference.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
