It’s summertime and that means county fair time in Kansas. I loved going to the Butler County Fair as a kid and love it now more as an adult. County fairs are connected to 4-H so they are largely the work of farm and ranch families, especially their children. Here are 10 reasons for you to go:

1. The youth – If you ever wonder about the young folks of this generation, attending a county fair will renew your faith in youth. At every turn, you will find young people tending animals, showing animals, competing for prizes, serving food and cleaning up. Most of these are farm and ranch kids and working hard is part of who they are.

2. The animals – Touring the animal exhibits is like touring a small farm with a wide variety of large and small animals. It’s a great place to take your kids and/or grandchildren.

3. Project competitions – There are a variety of competitions such as woodworking, science, photography, canning, baking, sewing, leather craft and others in which youth compete for prizes.

4. Funnel cakes – I’ll admit, a big draw for me are funnel cakes. It’s the only time of the year I succumb to that sweet temptation.

5. Purchase an animal – Many of the animals are for sale; these are farm and ranch kids, and they are taught the business side of raising animals. For the larger livestock, they are often auctioned off. It’s a great way to feed your family and support an enterprising youth.

6. Learn the fascinating industry of showing animals – Take some time and ask a kid showing their animals what they look for, how the judging works and why they won that ribbon hanging near the animal.

7. Learn about farming and ranching – You are going to be up close and personal with the people who grow the food you eat. One of the reasons county fairs are in late summer months is because wheat harvest is already done and the corn, bean or sorghum isn’t ready to be harvested yet. Ask questions; they love to share their world.

8. Make a donation – As mentioned, most of the kids are part of a 4-H club, and that club would benefit greatly from your donation. They are all farm and ranch people so you can trust they will steward your gift wisely.

9. Take your family – Make this a family outing with fun ideas like scavenger hunts, voting for your favorite animal or project, making a list of all the people you meet or what kinds of animals were there. You can make a fun outing for your family that connects entertainment and education.

10. Make friends with a farm and ranch family – If you pay attention, county fairs are a family thing. If you see a kid taking care of that 1,000-pound steer, not too far away you’ll find his mom, dad and siblings. In fact, some of the signage indicates the farm family who is showing that animal.

Rick McNary is a leader in bringing people together to build community and reduce hunger in sustainable ways.