Another Johnson County Fair has come and gone. I think it’s worth highlighting the sheer impact this fair has on the community and our youth. 

4-H and FFA are organizations helping develop our youth into future leaders whether that be in agriculture and natural resources, STEM, healthy living, leadership and civic engagement, or communication and the arts. The Johnson County Fair is an important culmination of the learning and experiences youth in these programs have for the year or even multiple years for some of the youths’ projects.

At this past fair, there were 280 youth exhibitors who brought 1,804 projects. Local businesses rallied together to help make the fair possible and support the youth in the livestock and ribbon auction. Of the 98 projects that were entered in the auction, $190,000 went toward supporting the youth of our county! I would like to give my sincere congratulations to all of the exhibitors and their families and extend my gratitude to all of the businesses that supported this fair.

The Johnson County Fair is also an important event for our community. This year, attendance ranged from 800 to 2,200 members of our community and beyond.

Our community is extremely fortunate to have a free fair, unlike many of our surrounding counties. A free fair means more community members can enjoy fun activities and learning opportunities, ensuring this is an event open to all. I always enjoy witnessing the joy young members of our community have when they get to see a new animal in person, participate in kids’ day, try out the tractor pull, and more. The Johnson County Fair Board had 127 partnerships with community members and organizations that helped make the fair and other events (approximately 250 each year) possible. It’s important we continue to make this a free fair.