From The Desk Down State

Some of my favorite childhood memories involve trips to the county fair, and this time of year counties across Illinois are continuing their traditions of bringing people together for celebrations of community spirit. From hot dogs, lemon shake-ups, cotton candy, and funnel cakes, to livestock exhibits, carnival rides, concerts, and pageants, county fairs offer something for everyone.

The centerpiece of county fairs is livestock exhibits and judging. In the months and sometimes years leading up to a fair, kids, many from 4-H or FFA programs, follow a rigorous program to prepare their animals o...