Figure 1.--No state embraces the cowboy and beef to the extent of Texas. And this shows up in the country and state fairs in Texas. Here children are enjoying a horse racing ride at the Fort Worth downtown city fair. There was also a cowboy band. The snapshot is undated, but would have been taken about 1980. Click on the image for an enlargement.

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), Kentucky (horse breeding and racing), 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 economies. California today is probably better known for Silicon Valley than agriculture. Other states have changed over time. Florida today has an economy largely affected by tourism with oranges becoming a minor part of the economy. Texas is embracing its Tex-Mex heitage, especially the foof. These major products influence many state and countty fairs, not only the exhibits, but activities as well.

Created: 3:56 PM 9/28/2017
Last updated: 3:56 PM 9/28/2017