A summer tradition
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Kurt Johnson
A local tradition is unfolding this week with a celebration that marks a significant historical milestone while also honoring our ag-based heritage.
This year’s version of the county fair marks the 150th anniversary of the Hamilton County Agricultural Society. That organization has helped organize the fair since its inception, though there were two years -- 1874 and 1894 -- when locusts and drought wiped out the annual event. Even with those missed years, Hamilton County can still stake a claim to having hosted 127 consecutive fairs, which is in and of itself a badge of honor.
This has been a summer of special celebrations already, with the Hamilton County Courthouse (125 years old) and City of Aurora (150 year old) staging combined festivities in late June. After NOT being able to kick up our heels in 2020, it’s catch-up time in 2021, and nobody is complaining.
The Ag Society has put a lot of time and effort into planning this year’s celebration, and with good reason. Though the core agenda is built around traditional animal shows, 4-H/open class exhibits and the nightly midway carnival, this year’s schedule features several new activities.
Most notably, it’s a seven-day celebration which kicked off Monday and runs through Sunday evening. Each day honors one of the county’s communities, tipping the hat appropriately to Aurora, Hampton, Marquette, Phillips, Giltner, Stockham and Hordville.
The always popular trailer races are back on Saturday, as Hamilton County crowds have proven they will show up and cheer when engines rev. Sunday’s Tuff Nuff Rodeo offers a nontraditional finale, wrapping up a unique year in style. Live music is also on the agenda, along with a variety of entertainment acts designed to offer something for people of all ages.
A story in this week’s edition highlights the history behind the Hamilton County Fair. It’s a good read, putting this event and the efforts our forefathers have put into for so long into perspective.
It looks like it will be a hot one, which is par for the course this time of year. That’s just part of the deal, as Mother Nature presents the same challenge our ancestors have battled for nearly 150 years.
We’ll see you at the fair!
Kurt Johnson
