KIRKSVILLE, MO -- One of the most enjoyable things about being an elected public official is the opportunity to meet and talk to folks all across northeast Missouri.  One of the best ways to do that is to visit a county fair, and I’ll be spending a lot of time this month visiting county fairs throughout the 18th Senate District.

As a young farmer, county fairs were always the highlight of the long, hot Missouri summers, and not just because they offered an opportunity to goof off.  In fact, most farm kids work really hard at county fairs, preparing their livestock for the judging contests or setting up their 4-H or FFA projects. 

You ought to see the pride in the face of a ten-year old kid leading his prize steer though the show ring.  I really enjoy visiting with these young producers and their parents to hear their stories about raising their livestock or curing their own hams.  It always leaves me encouraged about the future of family farming. 

I also enjoy walking through the midway and trying my luck at some of the games of chance while munching on a funnel cake or some other tasty concoction you can only find at the fair. 

The best thing about a county fair, however, is seeing a community come together for some good old fashioned fun.  I get a chance to talk to people I haven’t seen in a long time as well as the opportunity to meet a lot of new folks.  I hope you have a chance to visit a county fair near you this summer and support the young people who take such pride in their livestock or their projects.  Here’s a list of some of the county fairs in our area this summer:

·        Shelby County Fair, Shelbina Fairgrounds, July 6-11; livestock auction July 9 at 7pm;
·        Lewis County Fair, Lewistown Fairgrounds, July 8-12; livestock auction July 11 at 5pm;
·        Ralls County Fair, Center, July 13-18; livestock auction July 16 at 7pm;
·        Knox County Fair, Edina, July 13-17; livestock auction July 17 at 7pm;
·        Adair County Fair, Kirksville Fairgrounds, July 13-18; livestock auction July 18 at 1pm;
·        Audrain County Fair, Audrain 4-H Fairgrounds, Mexico, July 17-22; livestock auction July 22 at 6:30pm;
·        Clark County Fair, Kahoka, July 20-25; livestock auction July 25 at 5pm;
·        Monroe County Fair, Paris, July 25-29; livestock auction July 29 at 7pm;
·        Marion County Fair, Palmyra, July 25-August 1; livestock auction August 1 at 9am;
·        Schuyler County Fair, Queen City, July 29-August 1; livestock auction August 1 at 2pm;
·        Pike County Fair, Bowling Green, July 28-August 1; livestock auction August 1 at 6pm, and;
·        Putnam County Fair, Unionville, September 8-12; livestock auction September 11 at 1pm.

I also encourage folks to visit your local farmers’ market from time to time.  This is a good way to support your local farmers while getting some fresh, locally-produced fruits and vegetables. 

If you have any questions or comments about this or any other issue, give my Capitol office a call at (573) 751-7852, send me an email at wes.shoemyer@senate.mo.gov, or drop a line to Room 434, State Capitol, 201 West Capitol Ave., Jefferson City, MO 65101.