Public Relations

Library staff take big honors at Benton County Fair

            BENTONVILLE (Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007) – Three employees in the NWACC Pauline Whitaker Library won awards, ribbons, and a bit of cash for their efforts at the Benton County Fair this year.

            The three are (pictured left to right) Hillary Dover, Virgina Hill and Genny Olson.

            Dover won first place in Photography.

            Hill won for Horticulture (Tomatoes, 1st place and Potatoes  - 2nd place) and Food Preservation (Peaches – 1st place & 2nd Best in Show, Beans – 1st place, Tomatoes – 2nd place and Pears – 2nd place)

            Olson won 1st place in Cross Stitch, 1st place in Doll Making, 1st place in Spinning, 1st place in Weaving, Best of Show in Spinning and Best of Show in Weaving

            County fairs, according to the NWACC Pauline Whitaker Library, have a fascinating heritage.

            In 1807, Elkanah Watson, a wealthy New England farmer and businessman, showcased his sheep under the great Elm tree in the public square of Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

            To attract attention, he clanged an old ship's bell with a piece of iron. Watson owned woolen mills and wanted to encourage the local farmers to raise Merino sheep because the wool was of superior quality.

            Watson held sheep shearing demonstrations in conjunction with the Market Fairs and this eventually evolved into the County Fair.

            Agricultural communities were quick to adopt the concept of the County Fair. The first agricultural fairs gave rural families an opportunity to see the latest agricultural equipment, crops, and livestock.

            Over the course of time, educational, recreational, competitive and social activities were incorporated into the fairs.

            Today, Americans attend county fairs to see the latest technology, the best livestock, the biggest vegetables, and drool over blue ribbon cakes and pies.

            Corn Dogs, elephant ears, and funnel cakes have become traditional fair foods. The County Fair inspires Americans to discover their agricultural and rural heritage.

            Come to the NWACC Library and check out our books on these heritage arts and crafts.

For questions/comments on this content, please contact Jim Hall jhall@nwacc.edu