Fall is quickly approaching, which is a signal that it will not be long before it is time for the county fair. Within just a few short weeks, the Robeson County Fairgrounds will be the center of activity for both the young and the not so young. For the 58th year in a row, the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair continues the tradition of providing the largest and most exciting entertainment and educational event in the region.

County fairs have always been, and as long as they are around will continue to be, a place where people can be proud to display their handiwork. Farmers can show off the products they grow; homemakers can show off their foods, clothing, and crafts; and gardeners can show off their vegetables and flowers. I encourage you to become more involved in the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair by getting some of your items ready to exhibit.

Your first reaction may be that you do not have anything to enter. But most likely this is far from true. There are literally hundreds of different classes for just about anything you can imagine. And besides, the policy of the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair is that if there is not a class already established for an item, a class will be created.

In order to be classified as a county fair, regulations require that a certain portion of income from the fair must be returned in the form of prizes and premiums. The Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair has always exceeded all standards and this year will offer more than $22,000 in prizes and premiums.

Most adults have hobbies, special interests, or collectibles that are suitable for entering in the county fair. Houseplants, potted plants, cut flowers, vegetables from the garden, sewing, needlework, quilts, clothing, cakes, cookies, pies, canned fruits or vegetables, paintings, woodwork, and antique farm items are just a small example of the kind of things that can be entered in the fair. Those adults associated with farming may enter all kinds of farm products like corn, soybeans, cotton, grains, tobacco, livestock, and just about any kind of vegetable you can imagine. Many youth are beginning to develop hobbies of their own or have special interests and are eager for an opportunity to show off their prized possessions. Youth with farm animals can enter the livestock events, enter flowers and vegetables from the family garden, or enter their favorite doll or model car. Even the very young children have treasured items they have made in Sunday School, Bible School, or at school that can be entered in a variety of youth classes.

Adults reading this column who are involved with youth groups, such as 4-H Clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, church groups, and civic groups, are urged to take advantage of this opportunity provided by the county fair. With a little advance planning and coordination, all youth in the group can enter an assortment of items in the county fair, and all prize money earned can help support the activities of that group. In addition to being a learning opportunity for the group, this can turn out to be a fundraiser as well.

If you would like to have more information about entering items in the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair, please give me a call at 671-3276. The fair handbook is available at my office that provides a complete schedule for the fair; rules for exhibits, booths, contests and events; and a detailed premium list for all exhibits.

If you are involved with a youth group and would like to develop an educational and fund-raising opportunity for your youth, please contact me. I will be glad to share the information you will need or meet with your group to help them better understand how to successfully prepare and display items they may want to enter in the county fair.

E-mail address: Everett_Davis@ncsu.edu

Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 2280
Lumberton, NC 28359-2280

Phone: 910-671-3276
Fax: 910-671-6278

Date Created 9/3/04