Opinion: You Know You’re At a California Fair When…

State fairs around the nation all have some familiar characteristics, yet fairs in the golden state have something that many Californians take for granted.

Most California fairs have a designated place for agriculture, somewhere like the ag building at the Big Fresno Fair. This building holds examples of the vast array of crops the Central Valley, and some other producing areas around the state, provides to the rest of the world. Often fair-goers in other states don’t get to see this type of bounty and unfortunately some California fair-goers don’t see it either, with their focus on horse racing and fair rides.

It’s simply amazing to see all of the different crops in one place, some just miles from where they were grown. Grapes, walnuts, citrus, wheat, gourds, apples…the list is many.

According to the Encyclopedia of Chicago, “The American county fair was developed in the early nineteenth century when agricultural reformers in the northeastern United States organized local exhibitions to promote modern farming. Typical events included livestock judging, exhibits of new agricultural implements and techniques, and plowing contests.”

It’s safe to say other attractions now draw the crowds.

This is why it’s important for farmers and groups to participate in fairs and put together displays like this. Something every California fair-goer should not only be reminded of, but be proud of too.

Even the high school kids had some impressive crops in the junior exhibits building. Oh and the Gilroy garlic exhibit made sure to remind fair-goers of the problem a lot of farmers in the state are facing.