July is quickly coming to a close and that means it's once again time for the Cole County Fair. Beginning tomorrow and running through July 31, the fair will be held at the county fairgrounds, sponsored by the Jefferson City Jaycees. This year's fair promises to be another great experience, with live music, food, carnival rides, truck pulls and a figure-8 race. As always, there's a little something for everyone.
Probably the most important parts of the county fair to me are the agriculture activities. Our local FFA and 4-H club members participate in a host of activities and competitions. The kids work hard to raise beef, pork, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits and poultry, and the fair gives them a chance to show off their hard work. I really enjoy seeing how proud they are of their hard work and take the opportunity to buy some of their stock. As chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I try and help however I can to encourage our next generation of farmers.
In addition to the livestock shows, there are many other opportunities for FFA and 4-H members. There is a shooting competition, a public speaking contest, a fashion show and horse and dog shows. Agriculture education involves more than just crops and livestock, and the fair does an excellent job of showcasing every aspect of our state's No. 1 industry.
The exhibits on display at the fair reflect this diversity and commitment to the comprehensive education of our kids. The 4-H and FFA displays encompass a whole host of categories. There can be displays on agronomy, forestry and horticulture, as well as displays related to welding, quilting, civic engagement and filmmaking. It truly is an expansive amount of subjects that the kids will have the opportunity to display their knowledge and mastery of.
Cole County isn't the only place to find events like these, of course. I've already had the pleasure of attending the Osage, Miller and Morgan county fairs earlier this summer. The Gasconade County Fair will be held July 28 through 31, celebrating Missouri's bicentennial with many activities and shows. There will be a rodeo, a demolition derby, a truck and tractor pull and live music. The Gasconade Fair will also have similar livestock show and sale events for 4-H and FFA members. There will also be a parade on the 29, with everything from bicycles and wagons to horses to classic cars, trucks and antique tractors.
Moniteau County will be holding its fair from July 31 through Aug. 8. There will again be plenty of 4-H and FFA activities, a kids' tractor pull and an ATV rodeo. The fair will have blow-up rides and activities for kids, but not full carnival rides. The company that was contracted to provide the rides canceled, stating that they just couldn't find enough workers to run the rides. Unfortunately, that seems to be the case in many industries and is something we need to address at the state level.
At any rate, this should be another great year to go to the fair, in whichever county you go to. It will be good to see the kids get rewarded for their hard work, and just as good to get out and enjoy time with friends and neighbors. I hope to see you there.
State Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, R-Jefferson City, represents Missouri's 6th District and shares his perspective on statehouse issues twice a month.