It’s been a long time since I’ve simply enjoyed a county fair. But recently I had that opportunity, as my work schedule took us to what may be one of the best in the country: The Elkhart County Fair.

Their 4-H dairy program wanted to livestream their dairy show, the “Elkhart Expo.” The numbers don’t lie – there were 180 head of cattle, all breeds, that went through that ring, and some of those cattle would stand at the top of the class at any state fair in the country.

I was amazed at the quality, and it didn’t take long for me to figure out why they wanted their show broadcast for the entire world to witness. To say the least, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill county 4-H show.

This wasn’t my first time at the Elkhart County Fair – we used to live just outside of Goshen in a little wide spot in the road called Southwest. Back then my life revolved around dirty laundry, changing diapers and functioning on four hours of sleep at night.

I knew this gem of a fair existed, but it had been a few years since I had enjoyed it as much as I did last week.

As I sat in the corner of the show arena, I took the time to sit back and peruse the surroundings. I listened to the noise of hundreds of people talking, the sound of cows mooing and the static-filled speaker where the judge’s reasons spilled out.

I watched little ones racing around after each other, listened as retired farmers leaned over the gates and discussed old times and watched parents mouthing instructions to their kids in the ring.

I saw grandmas fanning themselves as they watched their pride and joy show a calf. I saw young moms keeping track of little kids who were in desperate need of a bath after playing in the nearby sawdust pile.

I saw teenagers developing friendships and fair-flings, young dairy farmers watching where their best heifer was going to place and show-ring veterans watching the show intensely to see if the judge would line them up “correctly.”

This was America.

This was what every person should experience at least once in their lives. This is where cooperation and service are practiced, where competition and confidence increase and where networking was born.

There is nothing in this life like a county fair. Whether you are participating or a spectator, you will never see more diversity, feel more stimulation or enjoy a better display of the American spirit than at a good county fair.

This is where the bonds of friendship are fortified, integrity is tested and the grit of America smoothes its ingenuity into a shining display of knowledge generated by the liberty of creativity.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Melissa Hart may write to her in care of this publication.