How does the saying go? “Life is not fair.” However, we teach our children that fairness is a virtue: It means playing by the rules, sharing and taking turns, caring and including others, and treating others with the kindness you yourself would like to receive.

“Fair” as an adjective can mean anything from average or meh to stunning or delightful, or it can mean just and even-handed. As a noun, it can refer to a bazaar or carnival. In other words, an event where people come together to enjoy fun and games, food and music, and to show their products or their pies and prized pigs.

It’s that latter type of fair that we’re enjoying this week in Barton County and can enjoy at the end of the month in Pawnee County.

Charles Atkinson, president of the Barton County Fair Association, described the reason for this year’s fair theme, “Hear the Sounds,” as he invited fairgoers to imagine closing their eyes and simply listening to the endless sounds of activity throughout the Expo Complex. All week, you can hear volunteers setting up exhibits, people laughing and animals mooing, clucking or baaing.

“Now, you open your eyes and the rest of your senses take over as you experience all of the events and excitement you have come to expect during the fair,” Atkinson wrote in his welcoming statement. “Come hear the sounds of the Barton County Fair (and, we might add, other county fairs) and bring your other senses along for the full experience.”

It’s fair to say you’ll have fun.