Reimagining the County Fair for a New Generation

County fairs are at a crossroads. But across the country, communities are finding creative ways to reinvigorate these traditions—not by abandoning their roots, but by adapting their purpose to better reflect the values, needs, and opportunities of a changing world.

Blending Old Traditions with New Themes

Some fairs have begun integrating modern agricultural topics alongside traditional livestock and crop displays. Demonstrations on regenerative soil practices, composting, pollinator habitats, and hydroponic systems sit comfortably next to quilt displays and goat shows. These additions show young people and newcomers that agriculture is not just about nostalgia—it’s about innovation, stewardship, and a sustainable future.

Expanding Participation

By creating new categories and removing barriers to entry, fairs can welcome participants from more diverse backgrounds. Urban youth might show off vertical gardens or container crops. Hobbyists could present aquaponics systems, food preservation skills, or heirloom seed saving. Local artisans and food entrepreneurs bring flavor and flair to the fairground, while forging a deeper connection between agriculture and daily life.

Partnering with Schools, Libraries, and Tech Programs

Visionary fair boards are building year-round partnerships with schools, libraries, and community organizations. These partnerships might include science fair-style exhibits, robotics competitions that solve real agricultural problems, or youth-led podcasts and digital storytelling projects that document local farm life. With these efforts, the fair becomes more than a week-long event; it becomes a launchpad for lifelong curiosity.

Making Space for Cultural Heritage and Equity

Modern fairs are also taking steps to honor the contributions of Indigenous, Black, Latino, and immigrant farmers and food producers. Highlighting traditional foods, crafts, seeds, and animal breeds deepens the fair’s relevance and inclusiveness. It also helps reconnect communities to forgotten agricultural knowledge that could prove vital in a changing climate.

Investing in the Fairgrounds as Community Hubs

In some towns, fairgrounds are being reimagined as year-round spaces for learning and gathering. Community gardens, farmers markets, outdoor classrooms, and seed libraries can breathe life into fairgrounds outside the main event. These changes foster community resilience, preserve open space, and ensure the fair remains a living part of local identity.

Next Up

In the final part of this series, we’ll imagine what the next 100 years of county fairs could look like—and how these grassroots gatherings might shape the future of food, farming, and community itself.