County Fairs Remind Us Of Our Roots

By State Senator Darrel J. Aubertine

On July 26, New York will celebrate its 220th birthday as a state. We have certainly grown and to those first New Yorkers, I’m sure the state we live in today would seem quite foreign. Our state claimed fewer people in the 1790 census than we have now in Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties combined. Yet even though there are so many more of us, much of the Upstate region has maintained its rural character. It’s important we remember our heritage and in doing so, how we live may change but the values we live by remain.

A clear example of this is our county fairs. This region is home to the oldest continuously operating fair in the country in Jefferson County—191 years. Oswego and St. Lawrence counties have each had fairs for 151 and 157 years. Sure, the fairs today have become carnivals with rides and games for all ages, not to mention fried foods and contests. However, the soul of the fair is still the agricultural societies that started them and keep them going. They give thousands of people who usually only drive by the farms in our region a chance every year to get a good look at what these farms have to offer.

I have been involved on the farm for all of my life. I still operate my Triple-A farm in Cape Vincent and try to do my share of the work when I have the opportunity. The farm instills a strong work ethic in the people who take care of the fields and the animals. We see this in the children taking care of the livestock at the fairs every year. Whether involved at the fair for their family farm, 4-H, or Future Farmers of America, these young people are dedicated and it is easy to see the pride they have in what they do.

Generation after generation seems less familiar with our agricultural roots. Fruits and vegetables seem to come from produce aisles, while steak and chicken are found in meat coolers. The knowledge of how to tend to a field or care for an animal to feed our families is passed to fewer and fewer people, as each generation replaces that knowledge with new technologies or innovations. Too often, the only time many people think about where their food comes from is when they hear of a scare on the news.

That’s why the fairs are so important. The carnival atmosphere is the modern attraction that brings people in, but if you step away from the midway and see the poultry, pigs, goats, cows and so much more that the farmers bring in, it can remind us of how our food is produced and where it comes from. I am very grateful for the opportunities I have had in life and I want our children to have more. Colleges and research centers are developing the jobs of the future right here in Central and Northern New York, but it is important we never lose sight of our roots.

Whether it has been on the farm or as an elected representative, I have learned to work hard and learn from others. It is a pleasure to talk about and hear the issues and concerns that face us, along with the announcements and milestones we take pride in. Everywhere I go, I meet friendly, hard working people who want to be heard and I enjoy listening. We share in this community.

What is said to me directly and the concerns relayed to my staff are what guide me in my efforts to represent us. I look forward to getting out even more and discussing how we can make our lives better. Our state may be 220 years old, but by building on what we have already learned and accomplished, I see a long and prosperous future ahead of us.

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