For many of us, summer means fair season. Whether you show dairy cattle, livestock or treats from the kitchen, it is time to compete with friends and neighbors to claim this year’s ribbons and honors.

Our county has five fairs that dot the summer schedule. If you enjoy fair food, Mercer County, Pa., can help you out, from mid-July to the weekend after Labor Day.

Each fair has its own traditions and encourages the public to come enjoy food, fun and learn about local agriculture.

I enjoy watching beginners lead a calf around the ring for the first time, glancing to the sidelines to find Dad and Mom watching while trying to remember all the instructions and advice they received from the judge.

Mom and Dad are just proud their child is making it around the ring. No matter where they place, they will have learned so much. And when the judging is over, there is fun in the barns and around the fairgrounds.

Some fairs feature tractor pulls, while others feature demolition derbies. Some attract the best in dairy, while others are known for their great horse shows.

For me, a stroll through the home-and-arts displays is a must. I enjoy exhibiting my knitting projects. This year, I have no knitting projects ready for the fair, although I plan to make baked goods for two different fairs. The different types of cookies that can be exhibited have my mind searching for our favorite, most tasty recipes.

Then there are the muffins, quick breads, cakes and pies — oh my, so many choices.

The best part of visiting the fair is seeing people you haven’t seen since last year. Occasionally, you see someone from years ago. What fun it is to see someone who moved away right after high school graduation and is home just in time for the fair. People share photos of their children and grandchildren while sitting around a picnic table to eat a meal and catch up.

Once showing is over, the fair is a relaxing place to be.

Being a part of the committee that organizes a fair is daunting. It takes a team of dedicated people to make it all work. If you have never been a part of a fair organization, pick up a book from your local fair. See how many names are visible as directors or department chairpersons.

There are so many people who often don’t get recognized.

To find a fair in Pennsylvania, visit pafairs.org.

Gregg writes from western Pennsylvania. She is the Pennsylvania 2019 Outstanding Woman in Agriculture and is a past president of American Agri-Women.