Why does the P.C. Fair Bring So Much Joy?

This week marks my tenth Phillips County Fair. Prior to moving to Malta, I hadn’t experienced a county fair.

I love this time of year because it is the highlight for so many in our community. Fair time just feels different than any other time of the year.

In nearly every weather situation at the fair, including rain, heat, or clouds of mosquitoes, generally people are happy. There is a legitimate feeling of joy that radiates through the air.

Maybe it’s the fair burgers at the 4-H or Boy Scout booths. Maybe it is knowing that at the fair we don’t have to worry about work or chores. Maybe it’s the entertainment at the fair. Many love motorsports, rodeos, and the thrill of the Indian Relay Races.

It could be the rides, the lights, funnel cake, or other types of fried confections. I know that deep fried Oreos and Twinkies bring me joy. I mean, how many things can you deep fry?

For the kids and young adults in 4H and FFA, maybe finishing a project steer or hog brings a sense of joy or accomplishment.

Perhaps it’s a grand champion or reserve champion trophy. A blue ribbon sounds nice.

Maybe it’s seeing friends that you haven’t seen all summer. Maybe it’s singing and dancing at the Fair concert series. Maybe it’s falling in love or experiencing your first fair together with a significant other.

I suppose it could be the FFA lemonade or the breakfast provided by the banks in the morning.

It might be the camping experience that many have at the fair while staying in the family R.V.

I am willing to bet that seeing the fair exhibits brings someone happiness. I enjoy perusing the various photos, handmade crafts, baked goods, and items in the vegetable and grain exhibits.

It definitely brings me joy to see people happy and outside of our typical element.

Of my various experiences at the fair, I can tell you my favorite and worst moment.

My worst was splitting my shorts right before the first Indian Relay race a couple of years ago. Those were my favorite shorts at the time. It was awkward and thanks to some duct tape, the problem was fixed and it was something to laugh about without any indecent exposure. I have since then learned to pack a second pair of shorts, just in case.

My favorite moment was definitely the year that my mother had attended the Phillips County Fair, the first and only county fair that she had experienced. She loved the Indian Relay so much that she stayed out in the rain to experience the wild finish that day.

I suppose it could be the memories of the fair that bring us joy. I am not sure why, but I know that I love the fair and it definitely brings me joy, even when I get all “faired out.”