The number of agricultural fairs in the state has dwindled to 11, and more fairs may be forced out of business soon if they don't get help. Not only that, but legislators should make a commitment to the rural atmosphere that fairs represent. It's time to put real money in the land and heritage program that has been languishing in both chambers. Not long ago, the state had 22 fairs on its annual circuit. The Plymouth State Fair was the most recent casualty, folding about five years ago.
Fairs keep the state's agricultural traditions alive.
They also offer an attraction that draws about 800,000 visitors annually. For many families, it's the experience of going to a real county fair. The midway has its share of visitors, but most fairgoers also walk through the sheep barn, watch the oxen pull or ooh and ahh over the mega-vegetables on display. Fairs cater to that idea. And then there's the community involvement of a fair - the social capital of community ties and the real capital raised by local groups.