-Isms: Views on life in rural America

I'm in survival mode.

I made it through fair week, personally and professionally, and am gearing up for week two of fair coverage. The Holt County Fair will be in full swing when this edition hits your mailbox.

Some people may look forward to evening entertainment and think it makes or breaks the fair experience.

Don't get me wrong - it's a lot of fun and I've seen a multitude of quality fair concerts, stock car races and rodeos that are memorable.

As a former 4-H member, the fair experience always has and always will be about 4-H. In fact, I cannot remember attending any of the evening entertainment with the family during the Clay County Fair. We didn't miss a single exhibit or show, though. When we ventured to Hastings for the Adams County Fair, we did partake in some of the nightly shows, but the first trip, upon arrival, was to the exhibit barns and buildings. Then, we'd stake our claim at the church concession stand and feast on grilled burgers and a slice of homemade pie and ice cream.

What I like most about 4-H is how it teaches lifelong lessons and gives youth an opportunity to investigate a wide variety of projects.

Here are a few examples I imagine other 4-H parents/grandparents have experienced. Our grandson, Walker, has a competitive nature. It surfaced once the exhibit hall opened and he checked and compared ribbons his projects received with his brother's haul. They both entered a project in a craft division and Jorden's placed higher. After discussion, Walker admitted he rushed his project and didn't do his top work. Learning to take time to complete a chore and giving your best effort will pay off eventually. It's a lesson I hope he will remember as he ages.

Another example: After perusing projects in the exhibit hall, the boys saw several divisions they are interested in trying. That's the spirit! One wants to try woodworking, another leathercraft and the other, aeronautics. You never know when they may find a future career field or realize they aren't interested in a certain area.

I cannot sing the praises enough of our local 4-H coordinators. They provide a solid foundation for the 4-H experience and offer advice along every step of the way. Look at the increase in participation and you can conclude that youth are drawn to learning opportunities 4-H offers.

4-H is about service to others, common sense, family and fun. It's about making memories and making improvements. It's about personal growth and showcasing knowledge.

And, while it the days leading up to the fair may be hectic, the longterm benefits make it worth all the late nights and early mornings, working on or with the final product.

Then, it's show time.