The fall is a time full of activities at Linganore High School (LHS). Students get to participate in many events such as the pep rally or football games. However, one annual tradition stands out amongst the rest because it gets everyone in the community involved.
The Community Fair is a three-day event hosted yearly by the Future Farmers of America (FFA) at LHS. The fair gives a chance for members of the community to show off their talents and also gain recognition through awards.
Students submitted items to be shown and judged on the first day of the fair, September 29. People throughout the community sent in photographs, crocheted items, live animals and food.
On September 30, the majority of the judging took place. Entries earned ribbons based on how the item scored. These awards included blue first place, red second place, purple grand champion ribbons and more.
Linganore sophomores, Abby Meckle, Emry Mayhew and Olivia Morgan, were some of many students who submitted projects for judging. The group won second place for a wedding board they entered. Meckle also submitted multiple items such as a table arrangement and corsage, all of which won first place.
While students at LHS could visit the fair on both days, on the third and final day, October 1, students from two elementary schools, Green Valley and New Market, took field trips to see all the different items.
Students at Linganore also brought in animals and tractors for the students to look at as well.
“My favorite part of the fair was the animals,” said LHS sophomore and FFA member, Rachel Zurawski. “I loved the baby ducks the most, though.”
Multiple students at LHS also participated by helping run the fair. These students had a number of jobs such as face painting, setting up the stands and helping the elementary school students with projects. Linganore sophomore Mykenna Tressler was one of those students.
“I decided to help at the community show because agriculture has been a part of my family for many generations,” said Tressler. “So, I wanted to help share my love and knowledge to others that may not have had the same opportunity to experience and learn about the fundamentals of agriculture.”
The fair was limited this year due to lots of rain, putting a restraint on the number of categories that could earn prizes. Traditionally, there would be a parade with tractors and animals, such as horses; however, the rain caused this to be canceled. Most outdoor events and categories were either canceled or had to be moved inside, such as the bounce house on October 1.
“Due to the rain, we were not able to drive the tractors around, and we also were not able to bring as many animals,” said Tressler.
For the most part, the community fair was a success; however, some people think a few aspects of the fair could have been done a little better.
“Maybe it could have been a bit more organized,” said Linganore freshman and member of FFA, Peyton Wright. “A lot of people were rushing to get to a station, and a lot of people were crowded at one.”
Even so, students who went to visit found the fair interesting.
“I liked the woodwork stuff the most, and all the crafts were really cool,” said LHS junior Lexi Gottfeld.
The FFA organization itself holds multiple events throughout the year, in addition to Linganore’s annual Community Fair. Those that are interested in future events can find more information at the National FFA Organization website.
