By TIM ALEXANDER
Illinois Correspondent

ST. CHARLES, Ill. — It’s that “fair” time of the year again.
There are more than 100 county fairs in Illinois alone. County fairs are a fixture in the annual social calendar for many people, but how did they get started in America, and why?

America’s Story from America’s Library (www.americaslibrary.gov) offers the following history lesson, “American state and county fairs have their roots in ancient times. The earliest fairs, such as the great Aztec market that Spanish conquistadors found on the present-day site of Mexico City, were created to solve problems of distribution. Historically, fairs were located on major trade routes and gave people the chance to show off their skills and crafts, and sell or trade their goods. In the days when people did not travel much, fairs were also an opportunity to see different areas and socialize with others.

“Today, state and county fairs tend to have an agricultural flavor, where city folk can get a taste of country life and children who grow up in the country can show off their farming and craft skills. Boys and girls in rural areas often take part in 4-H Clubs, where they can try raising their own farm animals, vegetables, and flowers.

“Each year people enter into competitions with their animals and crafts in hopes of winning a blue ribbon for ‘best of show.’ Ferris wheels, carousels and friendly competitions such as the wheelbarrow race, pie-eating contest and greased pig race are some things you might find at the fair.”

Although there have been new events added to many fairs – such as karaoke contests – they still lean heavily on agricultural content.

This farm news was published in the Aug. 1, 2007 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee.