craigdailypress.com

There were contests to catch a pig and kiss one, too.

There was barbecue and desserts, broncs and bulls (miniature ones, anyway), and a livestock sale that would have made Old McDonald envious.

There were competitions for producers of wine, beer and salsa, and tests of oddball skills such as bowling with turkeys and racing wiener dogs. There was artisanship and craftsmanship, and above all else, there was no limit to who could participate.

There may have been 90 that came before it, but like a fond memory, the 91st annual Moffat County Fair was special, even among the many others.

From the outside, it would be difficult for anyone to understand the amount of work, and the number of people who put in that work, to make the fair a reality.

First and foremost, this editorial is to recognize those people - from staffers to board members to volunteers to anyone else who contributed in even the slightest way - who made the county fair happen.

The box that accompanies this work is a small glimpse of the many people who gave back to their community and numerous youth, by working on the fair.

The fair doesn't receive a lot of funding, and yet these dedicated people went out of their way to bring the fair to our community.

That's beyond commendable, the Editorial Board believes.

But our praise isn't limited to just the people behind the curtains.

Numerous youths deserve their fair praise, as well.

Many of them worked all year to present animals during fair week. The responsibility and dedication they showed are lessons that will last them throughout their lives.

The Editorial Board was particularly warmed by the youths who took proceeds they earned from selling an animal and gave portions back to the Franklin "Pud" Stetson memorial.

The Junior Livestock Sale was named in memory of Stetson, a longtime fair volunteer, but it's the recognition many youths showed by donating to his memorial that will provide the enduring memory.

The youths and volunteers contributing to the fair are symbolic of Moffat County as a whole, the Editorial Board believes.

It isn't the surroundings or amenities or entertainment that make it special - it's the people.

And, in that regard, the 91st fair edition was just like all the others.