This time of year, all’s fair for Jane Crossman.
Genesee County Fair, that is.
The Ortonville resident, along with many others from the community, will participate in the fair as it returns for its 157th year. Crossman says she’s been involved with the GCF for about 15 years, initially becoming involved through her children’s participation in 4-H, a youth group which focuses on developing agricultural abilities.
‘We’ve been really happy with our experience (with the fair),? said Crossman. ‘We have a great time, people are really nice.?
That is precisely the experience fair manager Chris Miller said he is hoping residents will have.
Miller said the Genesee County Fair will take place this year thanks to the help of about 400 volunteers and over 100 exhibitors, adding an average of 150,000 people visit the fair each year.
Crossman and her family are involved through showing livestock. Over the years they have raised: sheep, chickens, dairy cows, steer, pigs, hens and turkeys to show at the fair. It’s an activity Crossman says has proved to be a beneficial experience for her children: Charlene, 27; Jim, 23; Carrie,21 and Elaine, 19.
‘They got money for college that way,? says Crossman of the money her kids made selling their animals. More than just monetary rewards, Crossman said her children also developed improved people skills and a hands-on understanding of economics.
‘They had to think ‘it takes this much to feed and care for this animal, so I need to sell it for more than that to make my profit,? said Crossman.
The community also benefits from animals sold at the fair, Crossman explained, saying many consumers prefer knowing about the condition of the animal they will be eating later was kept in. ‘The kids have taken care of the animal, they can tell you how well it’s been fed and treated and cared for. Kids are really into this, and you’re not going to get better meat,? says Crossman.
Having children responsible for the care and feeding of a living creature for so long to have it end up as a meal for someone almost begs the question; did any of Crossman’s kids ever get attached to their animals?
‘No, because that’s what animals are raised for,? says Crossman. ‘They never formed an attachment to breeding animals.? Crossman laughs as she recalls the name of a steer her daughter showed once. ‘J.D.’short for ‘just dinner.??
Goodrich resident Maureen Bermudez? involvement with the fair is slightly more vegetarian-friendly; she grows vegetables, flowers and herbs to showcase.
Like Crossman, Bermudez started at the fair through her child’s involvement with the yearly festival. However, Bermudez said she soon found she enjoyed participating in the gardening aspect, and has been a part of the fair for approximately the last eight years.
‘I searched into (taking part in the fair) and got into it a little further, then from there we just expanded, ‘said Bermudez.
Bermudez, like, Crossman, said it’s been a fun activity. ‘I’m learning things’I’ve expanded on my gardening.’and it’s fun for the family,? said Bermudez. ‘It’s a totally positive experiance.?
When she isn’t working at the fair, Crossman says she enjoys taking in the experiance. ‘They have a birthing exhibit, people can see the newborn calves and pigs and chikens, it’s great,? says Crossman. ‘Sometimes you can see them actually giving birth. That right there is a whole new experience for most people.?
Margaret Frank, of Goodrich said she enjoys showing flowers at the fair each year, and estimates she’s been taking part in the GCF for about ten years now. Margaret Frank, of Goodrich said she enjoys showing flowers at the fair each year, and estimates she’s been taking part in the GCF for about ten years now and enjoys the atmosphere of a fair.
‘I go to a lot of fairs,? said Frank. ‘I got started (participating in them) because my kids were in 4-H. I just look at all the exhibits. It’s fun to go out there.?
‘We have couple of new events this year,? said Miller. ‘There will be frog jumping championships and a Kid’s Day circus. Also, there will be an increased number of contests such as a hula hoop and other various contests.? Miller said there will also be a new ride at the fair. Dubbed ‘The Skater? moves done one a skateboard.
‘Just going to the whole fair experience is great,? said Bermudez. ‘We love everything, from the gardening to the livestock to the shows.?
Crossman said she also enjoys the shows and is particularly looking forward to watching a performance by country singer Travis Tritt at 7:30 p.m. on Aug.17.
One aspect of the Genessee County Fair Crossman said she wanted others to understand is the amount of time and effort people put into the event.
‘We work on this all year,? said Crossman. ‘This is not just everybody gets together on this in August.?
‘This is a great opportunity for everyone in the community to come together one last time before school starts up,? said Miller. ‘It’s a great celebration for community.?