It's a hot day in early August and it seems like half of the Buckeye state is gathered at the Ohio State Fair. If they aren't there, there's a large chance they're at home at their own county fair. Youth from all over are busy working with livestock for show or waiting nervously to have their still project judged. It seems like I should be right there with beside them, but for the first time in 12 years I'm not.

Growing up I was lucky enough to have spent a large portion of my life as an active 4-Her and once I hit high school, an FFA member too. For many 4-H and FFA members alike, the peak of the year is the county or state fair. It's a time when all of your hard work comes together and hopefully pays off to earn a blue ribbon or purple banner. It's the social highlight of the season where everyone knows everyone and it's the perfect time to catch up with old friends.

This summer has definitely been an add one for me. For the first time in years there aren't show animals in the barn that need worked with or project books that need filled out. I'd be lying if I didn't say it was sort of relieving, but I'd be lying even more if I didn't say I missed every moment of it. I miss the hours put in of preparation, the meetings with my club, the late nights, the early mornings and even the miles put in on the family truck.

The fair holds many fond memories for me and others. You'll never forget the feeling of having your name called as first place in your project area or that certain handshake with the judge as he picks your animal as Grand Champion. You will forget the feeling of coming in last in your heat after time, but you won't forget the lesson in humility and graciousness that it taught you. You won't forget the late nights playing cards in the barns or the giant reunions held outside of a single camper. You might forget how long it used to take you to club cattle, shear sheep or wash pigs and feed, but the hard work and responsibility will always stay with you.

This year I ventured with friends to the State Fair to watch the livestock shows for the first time as bystanders. One of the weirdest parts -- having to pay to get in and not having a free entry pass. As we sat in the bleachers giving our own commentary on each animal in the ring, we reminisced on our own exhibitor days. We all agreed that not being in the ring ourselves felt odd. Our own county fair is held in October, long after the state fair ends and I'm sure the odd feeling will last their too.

The transition from exhibitor to bystander has definitely been bittersweet. It doesn't actually start to feel real until everyone else is exhibiting, but you. Despite the hard transition the is inevitable for everyone, I wouldn't trade my years as an exhibitor for anything in he world.