Most Midwest state fairs are canceled this year. Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and more, have decided to call off or postpone their annual state fair this year due to health concerns. Many people are disappointed that they won’t be able to share this longstanding tradition with their farm families this summer.
Why Are Fairs Important?
As spring arrives, farm families look forward to and depend on upcoming fairs as the weather warms. Every year there are nearly 3,300 fairs taking place in North America, each one as important as the next. These small pieces of Americana mean more than French fries and funnel cakes (even though those are two very good reasons to get excited).
Celebration of Farm Families
Farm families are the backbone of rural communities, and the fair is a once-a-year opportunity to come together and celebrate all the hard work you’ve put into crops, livestock, crafts, food, and more. It’s a time to reflect and congratulate others on their hard work as well. Plus, it’s a great reason to kick back, relax, and be proud of your hard work throughout the year.
Economic Growth
Fairs are also vital because they help boost the economy of small communities. Many small business owners depend on the annual fair as their biggest chunk of income for the whole year. Canceled fairs, festivals, and shows mean no income. But for fairs that are being held locally, the economy booms, which is excellent news for small farm communities who are already facing many other hardships.
Education
Groups like Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H look forward to showing off their work every year at the local fair. It’s a time to take part in a child’s education, and it’s the perfect opportunity to congratulate them on a job well done. After having so many positive experiences at the fair, kids are far more likely to continue on a farming education path by observing, learning, and honoring their achievements.
Coping with Cancelation
Because fairs are so important, and such a large part of farm families’ lives, coping with these widespread cancellations is difficult. People are losing money, children feel cheated and disappointed, and vendors are closing their businesses permanently.
Learning how to be a good farmer means knowing how to deal with catastrophes that are out of your control. Whether it’s a pandemic, drought, tornadoes, or hail, a farm family knows how to reduce their risk of damage and make the best decisions to keep crops and livestock healthy. The best way to do that is to be adequately insured and keeping everyone safe.
In 2020, it’s now more important than ever to have farm insurance, such as Area Revenue Protection and Margin Protection.Give Wathen Insurance a call at 765-676-9666 to see what we can do for you. We’re experts in crop and revenue insurance, and we’re just as disappointed as you are that we won’t be able to shake hands at this year’s state fair. But we can help you protect what’s yours with our personalized service and private programs.
Are you on Facebook? We are, too! Let’s be friends!
Recent Comments