Fair offers knowledge as well as rides

There’s more to the midway than cotton candy. That’s why summer never should be considered complete without a visit to the Clark County Fair, which continues its 2010 run through Sunday evening.

It’s the largest event — including the livestock show, exhibition and other activities — to be found in this county on an annual basis. That makes it, according to published claims, the largest single activity in the Vancouver-Portland metro area. Located seven miles north of Vancouver off I-5, access to the fair is amazingly easy.

More important, the Clark County Fair is a moving grandstand of the transition — from rural to urban — in this area.

My personal regret is that due to my health problems, it will be the first time in more than 30 years I have not attended the fair as a visitor or livestock exhibitor. I can, however, offer insights on the human side that may be of value to attendees.

Entertainment aside, the Clark County Fair, as well as many others, initially began as a livestock exhibition. Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, noted the first county fair here was staged 142 years ago at Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver in 1868. Its notable features were exhibits of cattle, horses, sheep, seeds, vegetables, mechanical devices and shooting. A Columbian story described horse racing on a half-mile track. The fair has been located elsewhere, too. I remember showing off my Jersey livestock at a fair in Battle Ground one summer.

Agricultural angle

For many years, the goal of fair operators has been to provide something of interest to everyone at almost every age level, and it has been largely successful in that attempt.

It has brought the county’s agricultural roots forward over 142 years. That makes it a learning center as well, and a place for political displays, politicians and their campaigns. A little more than half a century ago, Clark County was strongly rural, with dairies, berry fields, pear and prune orchards and spuds sprouting all over the land. At one time it was called the “Prune Capital of the World.”

There is still opportunity, in the fair’s 10-day run, to walk through the livestock barns and view ribbon-earning vegetables, other farm produce, and the fair’s values center. That’s where young people can learn how to prepare livestock for the show ring.

You will encounter many “farm families” along the way, and discover their values acquired through membership in Future Farmers of America and 4-H organizations. The Grange, a farm-support group, is in strong voice there.

Visitors will view the early rural backbone of Clark County.

Those who keep their eyes skyward and dabble in the games and rides will miss the true scope of the fair.

The fair is a patriotic place, too, with many flags flying as well as displays. It is an entry to public service. Here, young people will capture a greater understanding of agriculture and the meaning of living a full life in a place of helpful and protective neighbors. This is Western culture, where strangers gladly help strangers.

The healthy lifestyle is present as well, in the local application of the culture which proclaims, “I’m here to help. What can I do?”

This is the other side of the fair, the hidden treasure buried among the “dancing pigs,” “Wild West adventures” and the Dairy Women milkshakes (the best on the planet).

Look, too, for the “Endangered Species Act Program,” which identifies fish, wildlife and plants in danger of extinction. Learn about habitat restoration on your land. Stop at the ESA booth, part of a larger display titled The River Ramble. It is located across the fairway from the Dairy Women’s booth. It’s all part of the information package that comes with admission tickets.

There’s plenty of learning and laughter at the Clark County Fair.