07/18/06 County fairs

It's that time of year when county fairs draw thousands of Idahoans to their rural roots. RUFFETO "Fairs have historically been the meeting of agriculture and people. I mean that's what competitive exhibits are all about. That's what livestock entries and shows are about. That's what 4H and FFA educational processes are about." County fairs have always brought out the spirit of competition, just as the corn on the cob brought the kids and adults to the eating table. RUFFETO "In Idaho agriculture is the number one export. It's our cash crop so to speak." VISITOR "I like to go see the animals and exhibits, like this one here. Just the different exhibits. That's what I come for." JUDGE "The judge is looking for someone that can control their pig, keep the pig between the judge and the shower." 4-H SHOWER "He wasn't responding to the stick that I had and I tried to smile a lot and look at the judge but that's hard because you have to look at your pig too." RUFFETTO "Last year we have eight thousand entries and it's everything from pickles to beets to cakes to pies to&.." Photography, fine arts, floral, animals, carnival rides, you name it, you'll probably find it at the county fair. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott