By HANNAH NIEDERRITER
Student contributor
Every year in the August heat, residents of Franklin and the surrounding communities gather to experience the pleasure of the annual Venango County Fair. The 61st annual fair has drawn to its conclusion.
(Photos by Hannah Niederriter)
This event, commonly known as the 4-H Fair, features a variety of activities and attractions. Regardless of your personal preferences, there is a diverse collection of things to participate in that will surely suit the majority’s taste. From demolition derbies to rodeos and horse shows to live music, there’s never a dull moment while attending the fair.
A large amount of work and preparation are required in order to keep the fair running smoothly, and it isn’t unnoticed. To keep the animal barns in tip-top condition, 4-H members clean their animals and pens on a daily basis. The public and 4-H members also enter time-consuming projects and flourishing plants for a chance at achieving a first-place ribbon. Vendors continually cook and take orders to satisfy the hunger of attendees while generous individuals donate towards the success of upcoming fairs. By working in unison, this festival continues to be fruitful.
All of the strenuous work and exhausting planning may seem futile, but that isn’t the case. There are many generous rewards that can be acquired. The 4-H program offers members the chance to earn scholarships and provides special awards for those who excel beyond expectations in categories such as best in show. Livestock can be sold for hefty sums, and those who received ribbons for their projects can receive money as well. However, while all of the rewards mentioned are great, there are even greater intangible prizes. The Venango County Fair aids young people in their pursuit of learning responsibility while simultaneously bringing communities together.
With everything in consideration, the 4-H Fair is a very beneficial contribution to the events in nearby neighborhoods. If you didn’t get the chance to attend the 61st annual fair, then it’s certainly worth checking out in years to follow.
Hannah Niederriter is a 9th-grade student at Cranberry High School and a member of the school’s journalism/publications group.
Did you miss the fireworks? Watch them here! (Please lower the volume if listening through a headset.)
