THE BALLOON MAN

Flagler County Fair & Youth Show kicks off today 


 

Carnival rides sit loaded on trucks at the Flagler County Fairgrounds Monday in advance of the fair’s opening today. (N-J | Aaron London
By AARON LONDON, Staff Writer
from: Daytona News-Journal online 
April 4, 2012
BUNNELL -- The midway will be lit up like Times Square tonight as the Flagler County Fair & Youth Show kicks off a five-day run. 


But big rides and games aren't the only things going on at the Flagler County Fairgrounds off County Road 13. 


"We are chartered under the Department of Agriculture and we are required to educate the local community in Florida agriculture," said Penny Buckles, treasurer of the Flagler County Fair & Youth Show Inc., organizers of the event. "That's why we have the 4-H and FFA programs we have." 


Buckles said combining the educational mission with enough fun to attract visitors to the county fair can be a challenge. 


One thing the fair has going for it is a willingness to keep looking for interesting attractions. This year, children at the fair will have the opportunity to learn about dairy farming with "The Milkable Cow," Buckles said. 


"We have the free kids' zone, which includes the petting zoo, and we have an exhibit from the state fair called 'The Milkable Cow,' " she said. 


The exhibit features a life-sized cow that simulates the experience of milking an actual cow, Buckles said. 


Another interactive exhibit, "Farmer for a Day," offers youth the chance to pick vegetables from a garden and put them in a basket. 


The fair's educational mission extends to what has always been the heart of most county fairs -- livestock shows. 


"That's why we have the livestock program, for the kids, and the exhibits because it's all educational," Buckles said. 


This year the annual livestock show takes place today and Thursday and the livestock auction is Friday. 


While midway rides and foot-long corn dogs may draw some to the fair, for 4-H and FFA members, the livestock auction is the highlight of the event. 


"What happens is the kids are raising animals for their college funds," Buckles said. 


The fair organization offers a scholarship program as well, she added. 


Buckles said with so many events going on in Flagler County this time of year, and with the Easter holiday this weekend, a lot of effort went into setting up the fair. 


"I try to keep everyone's interest," she said. "We have a Cajun Zydeco band, which is real popular. And then we have, for the first time ever, a karaoke contest on Saturday." 


Buckles said she hopes the addition of karaoke brings people to the fair. 


"Karaoke is really popular here," she said. "I'm hoping that draws a good crowd." 


In addition to the educational and entertainment value the fair provides, it also helps promote local tourism efforts, said Georgia Turner, vice president of tourism development at the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates. 


"The more we have to do here the better," Turner said. "It's just amazing from a county this size how much we have to do." 


Turner said the wide range of events on the calendar, like the county fair, paint a positive picture for potential visitors. 


"It makes it look like a vibrant place to visit," she said. 


The Flagler County Fair & Youth Show begins tonight and runs through Sunday. More information is available online at flaglercountyfair.com
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