Show your pride at the county fair

The 71st Macon County Fair is just around the corner, and this year's theme says it all: "County Pride, County Wide!" The fair will be held Sept. 23–27, and we are calling on the artists, crafters, gardeners, cooks, quilters, woodworkers and homemakers of Macon County to help make this year's celebration one to remember. The Macon County Fair is one of the last remaining traditional county fairs, and it takes great pride in showcasing the agriculture, talents, creativity and hard work of the people who make up our community. In a time when many traditional skills and hobbies are slowly disappearing from one generation to the next, the fair gives us an opportunity to preserve those traditions and pass them along. It is a place where the things we grow, make, bake, sew, carve, create and preserve can be shared with our neighbors – and where younger generations can see these skills in action. So, what have you been working on? Maybe you spent the summer canning fruits and vegetables from your garden. Perhaps you have a beautiful flower arrangement, the perfect tomato, a batch of homemade bread or a favorite recipe you're proud of. Maybe you've painted a picture, carved a wooden project, knitted something special or stitched memories into a beautiful quilt. We want to see it! There are categories for just about everyone, with age groups and classes for both young and old. You don't have to be a professional or an expert to enter. Your entry represents your time, effort, creativity and a skill that is worth sharing with your community. Each year, visitors enjoy walking through the exhibit buildings and seeing the incredible talent of Macon County residents. For our youngest fairgoers – especially the many elementary school students who visit the fair – these exhibits can provide a glimpse into traditions that might otherwise be forgotten. They can see firsthand the skills, crafts, foods and agricultural products that have helped shape our families and communities. The fair is also a wonderful celebration of Macon County agriculture and our youth. The sounds of farm animals throughout the fairgrounds are a familiar part of the experience, and the animal shows are always a favorite. Each day, visitors have the opportunity to watch local youth work with their animals and demonstrate the knowledge, patience and dedication they have developed. It takes training and understanding to get a 1,000-pound steer to walk calmly and stand still when asked. It takes patience and determination to convince a hog to go in the right direction – and have you ever tried putting a costume on a lamb? Watching these young people work with their animals is not only entertaining; it is inspiring. Their dedication is something our entire county can be proud of. And, of course, what would a county fair be without fair food? Come hungry and enjoy some of the treats that make a trip to the fair complete – funnel cakes, ice cream, snow cones, fresh-squeezed lemonade and so much more! As you prepare for this year's Macon County Fair, take a look around your home, garden, kitchen and workshop. What have you grown, created, preserved, baked, sewn or made? Don't let your hard work sit on a shelf or be tucked away in a closet. Bring it to the fair! Share your talents with your neighbors and help us celebrate the people, skills, traditions and agricultural heritage that make Macon County special. Entries will be accepted on Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m . at the Macon County Fairgrounds, located at 1436 Georgia Rd. The 71st Macon County Fair is your opportunity to show your County Pride, County Wide! Come share your talents, celebrate our agricultural heritage, support our youth and help keep the traditions that make Macon County unique alive for another generation. For more information about entering the Macon County Fair, contact the Macon County Extension Office at 828-349-2046.

Show your pride at the county fair

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