JEFFERSON CITY — As summer heats up one thing you can count on are the many fairs and festivals held in the 21st District, each summer.

At the heart of these events, besides the entertainment and cotton candy, are where hard work and dedication of farmers, gardeners and members of 4-H and FFA can be seen. They spend months, if not a whole year, planning for the fairs.

County fairs are not new. The earliest history of fairs has been said to be from the European sea shores where the docks served as the main midway for vendors selling their goods, especially various things they had grown or brought from nearby farm lands.

In 1765, the first American fair was held in Nova Scotia. The same fair continues today. The core elements of agricultural events of the early 1800s – the early fairs – are at the heart of most fairs in North America today. Competitions for the best agricultural and domestic products of the county and community were a chance to share and learn together.

Today, more than 3,000 fairs are held in this country each year. They showcase exhibits, demonstrations and competitions that focus on a variety of agricultural aspects with educational activities like 4-H, FFA and more. These programs are important and some say a vital part of life for most children and teens in the 21st District and in rural locations across this great state. While there is a great deal of urban and military exposure and opportunities, in Missouri farming is also a way of life for many, which means fairs are too, as parents pass down rich traditions of raising livestock, gardening, curing hams, sewing and more.

I hope that you are able to visit one of our many county fairs or even the state fair held this year. The Johnson County Fair will be held July 7-12; Livingston County Fair July 10-17; Ray County Fair July 10-18; Saline County Fair July 11-19; Lafayette County Fair July 13-18; Carroll County Fair July 15-18 and the Caldwell County Fair from July 16-19. The Howard County Fair was held in late June and the Missouri State Fair will be held Aug. 13-23 in Sedalia. Fairs truly are a way of life and one of the best summer activities we can share with one another.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or (573) 751-2272, or by fax at (573) 526-7381.