I recently went home for the weekend because it was the county fair back where I live, and let me tell you, it was a whirlwind of emotions. I participated in my county 4-H for roughly 11 years, that's a lot of time spent at the fairgrounds. I did almost everything that I could do at the fair. I showed rabbits, goats, and chickens. I helped little kids show their animals and what they needed to do for different parts of the show. I announced several shows and was on Junior Fair Board. Basically, I did a lot of stuff for the fair and this year was my first year not being involved in the actual show. Due to this I felt a whirlwind of emotions and it is something that I miss extremely.
At first I thought that it was amazing not having to actually DO anything and that I could just enjoy the fair for what it is. Eat amazing food, see all the animals, hang out with all my old friends, the normal fair time stuff. While I did all this, I found myself missing the 4-H aspect of the fair. I didn't have my own animals there, I didn't get to show anymore, and I didn't have any specific job to do. I missed being behind the scenes for everything and the thrill of having my animals get judged, and even myself. I miss the connection that I had with all the other exhibitors and the information that we shared with each other before and after the shows. I even miss all the work that I had to do. I know, crazy, I missed actual work.
I think the thing that I miss the most is just being around so many amazing people who are all there to support you in everything that you do. The people visiting the fair are in awe of what you can do with your animals. The fair board is there to help the fair run smoothly and to make sure that everything you need is taken care of. The barn attendants are there to watch over the animals and help you with anything you may need in the barn. Lastly, the people you are showing with are there to challenge you to do your best and to support you when you don't do so great. And I just love all of that and miss it all.
Although I missed being there, it was great to be on the other end of it. It was amazing to see all the other people working hard to achieve the same goals that I tried to achieve through my time in 4-H. I saw my siblings following the same path that I took when I was their age. I saw my sister totally kill it with the rabbits she raised on her own and all the awards that she was getting. I got to see the fair being run by people who used to look up to me when I was younger. I got to enjoy some quality time with my family and my friends. I got to eat amazing food. So, yes, I miss the fair, but I also get to start something totally new and amazing.
