Figure 1.--This is a rare 1941 color image of the Vermont state fair. A state fair in a small state like Vermont take on the charactter of a county fair in larger countries. Boh Kodak and Agfa had developed color film in the 1930s. World War II intervened, however, and meant that isas not widely available to the public until after the War. A British reader writes, "The family I lived with in America during my evacuation in the 1940s had a farm in Vermont. Seeing those girls dresses reminded me of the pig meal sacks of the day. I asked my Guardian why the sacks were patterned and was told that a lot of the poorer farming families used to make clothes from the sacking. The dresses dipicted look better than that, but the memory lingers."

Popular annual events for children beginning in th mid-19th century was the excitement of county, and for the lucky, the much larger state fairs. County fairs were easy to get to, getting to state fairs required a substanil journey except for a few small states. These fairs became a summer staple. County fairs are on the list of items that are uniquely American--along with mom and apple pie. These fairs began in 19th century to promoteg state agriculture, through competitive exhibitions of livestock and display of farm products. The first fair was are aware of was held in Syracuse, New York (1841). From the beginning these fairs are strongly oriented toward agriculture, reflecting the agricultural economy of 19th century America. County fairs are noted for carnival rides and games, sideshows, crafts, quilts, livestock, and food. There were all sorts of competitions, including baking, preserves, livestock, and races (usually horse races). State fairs were influenced by America's industrilization. They began to attract industrial displays and events like auto races. Agriculture and livestock, however, continue to be the the state and county fair mainstay. Many of the features are features that attract children and get them excited. The carnival rides and foods are obvious attractions. Many children and teens also participate in the livestock events, putting up animals they raised themselves. People come from all over the county/state to participate and have fun. Some people may even come from outside the county. Every county and a state fair is unique, relecting he local character and agricltural products. Counties and states over time constructed permanent fair gounds that were designed for these fairs, but could be used for other events as well. There were also special expositions such a World Fairs. These events began in Europe in the mid-19th cntury and by the end of the centry, America's growing cities were staging them as well. Unlike the state fairs, these evnts tended to showcase industry and technology. We note the Columbia Exposition in Chicago during 1983. One of the most notsble was the New York World's Fair (1939-40).

Summer Staple

Popular annual events for children beginning in th mid-19th century was the excitement of county, and for the lucky, the much larger state fairs. County fairs were easy to get to, getting to state fairs required a substanil journey except for a few small states. These fairs became a summer staple. County fairs are on the list of items that are uniquely American--along with mom and apple pie. These fairs began in 19th century to promote state agriculture, through competitive exhibitions of livestock and display of farm products. The first fair was are aware of was held in Syracuse, New York (1841).

Agricultural Orientation

Carnival Attractions

Carnivals have a long tradition in Western Christendom. It began as Christian festive season that occurs before the liturgical season of Lent, meaning February or early March, during the period historically known as Shrovetide (Pre-Lent). Carnival typically involves a public celebration and/or parade combining some elements of a circus, masks, and a public street party. While predominately Catholic, other religions including Protestants developed similar celebrations. The largest such celebration in America is Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Another early influence was the secular attraction was the medieval market mair. Carnival amd medieval market fair was a influence in developing the American traveling carnival, even appropriating the carnival name. Traveling carnivals are amusement shows consisting of amusement rides, food vendors, merchandise vendors, games of chance and skill, thrill acts, and animal acts. A traveling carnival was not conducted at permanent location, like a modern amusement park and state/country fair. Rather they moved from place to place which was especially important in the 19th century and early-20 century when people were not as mobile as they are today. The traveling carnival shared its origins with the 19th century traveling circus, becoming known as side shows. They would set up in open fields near or in town and then moving to new locations. Unlike the long established traditional Carnival celebrations, the North American traveling carnival was not tied to a religious observance and were organized during the summer. Carnival acts or the Carney began to travel with circuses and became important attractions. They also began to set up at state and county affair as well bcoming a popular part of the many attections.

Competitions

The carnival rides and foods are obvious attractions. Many children and teens also participate in the livestock events, putting up animals they raised themselves.

Music

Another popular attraction at county and state fairs is music.

Attendancce

People come from all over the county/state to participate and have fun. Some people may even come from outside the county.

States

Every county and a state fair is unique, relecting he local character and agricltural products. Every state is known for some thing: for example, Alabama (cotton), Alaska (fishing), California (grapes and wine), Florida (oranges), Georgia (peaches), Hawaii (pineapples), Illinois (pork), Iowa (corn), Louisiana (cajun cooking), Maine (lobster), Maryland (crab and oysters), Montana (trout), North Carolina (BBQ), South Caroina (pecans and pecan pie), Texas (cowboys and beef), Tennessee (country music), Vermont (maple syrup), Washington (apples), and Wisconsin (cheese). These and other products influence the character of the different state abd county fairs. Of course no one product or activity totally defines a state and big states like California have large, diverse economoies. California tiday is probably better known for Silicon Valley than agriculture. A states change, Florida today has an economy largeky ffected by tourism with oranges becoming a minor part of the economy. But these major products influence many state and countty fairs, not only the exhibits, but activities as well.

Grounds

Counties and states over time constructed permanent fair gounds that were designed for these fairs, but could be used for other events as well.

World Fairs

There were also special expositions such a World Fairs. The most Visible demonsration of modern science anf technology was the world fairs that began in Victorian England and that subsequently were held throughout Europe and North America. The first international industry and science fais was the famed Great Exibition held at London's Crystal Palace. It was mastermined by Prince Albert. And it was such a success that it was followed by a series of such exhibitions. Prince Albert's exhibition put the technology of industrial Britain on display for all to see. Subsequent exhibitions became more and more innovative about how to make technology inderstandable to the average person. The Colombian Exposition in Chicago showcased electricity (1893). It was also the beginning of the American postcard industry. The Chicago World's Fair was held in the middle of the Great Depression (1933-34). The New York World's Fair show cased the World Of Tommorow with exhibits about what the world of the future would be like. Tragically it was held in the last fleeting months of peace before the outbreak of World War II (1939). These events began in Europe in the mid-19th cntury and by the end of the centry, America's growing cities were staging them as well. Unlike the state fairs, these evnts tended to showcase industry and technology. We note the Columbia Exposition in Chicago during 1983. One of the mot notble was the New York World's Fair (1939-40).

Created: 4:47 PM 8/2/2009
Last updated: 4:48 PM 8/2/2009