County Fairs: Where America Meets

About this book

In 1811 Pittsfield Massachusetts played host to the first Berkshire County Fair. It was a modest event organized by a gentleman farmer concerned that our fledgling nation was falling behind Europe in farming and animal husbandry. He invited his neighbors to display their best livestock with prizes worth $70 as the reward. A band of music played and floats carrying a loom and a spinning jenny paraded proudly. Simple as it was the Berkshire County Fair marked the start of an enduring American institution. More than a century and a half later the county fair thrives as a celebration of community and accomplishment. Although fewer than 3 percent of the population still work the land these annual gatherings draw enthusiastic visitors wherever they are held and this richly illustrated book evokes all the charm excitement and competitive spirit that animates every county fair great or small. Author John McCarry and photographer Randy Olson crisscrossed America from the Deep South to the Pacific Northwest from New England to Southern California to create a fascinating portrait of an American phenomenon. Boasting a blue-ribbon collection of more than 80 full-color photographs this wonderful book captures the quintessential spirit shared by all county fairs: a mix of wistful nostalgia for our agrarian past and an unabashedly commercial thrust toward the future. Its a world where a childs button collection can stand proudly beside a $250 000 John Deere harvester where youngsters groom their lambs while their elders assess the future of farming in America and where millions of visitors enjoy themselves year after year. Heres a chance to join the throng - in National Geographics County Fairs.