Come on down: Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair is worth your time.

It is finally here -- the opening of the 2012 Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair.

You have heard the stories about the funnel cakes, candy apples and all the other goodies at the fair.

And you have seen that there will be plenty of rides and other attractions to keep your family busy.

But what you might not realize is that this award-winning gathering is a tribute to one of the most important industries in Wayne County and eastern North Carolina.

And you can get a clue to what it is by looking more closely at the name.

Agriculture is big business here and part of the history of many of this area's families.

So, it makes sense that farmers and livestock would be big parts of every year's festivities.

And this year is no different.

Fair director Milton Ingram and his staff of volunteers and workers have been planning not only a fun midway, but a place that celebrates the work of farmers and tells the story of agriculture in Wayne County in a fun way.

There are even special exhibits for children -- not to mention the livestock exhibits, which allow them to meet a pig up close and personal.

So load up the children, put on your jeans and head down to the fairgrounds this week. Not only will you be able to have an inexpensive good time as a family, you might be able to show your children that the food they eat just does not miraculously appear at the supermarket.

What better way to get a little bit of learning in among the cows, pigs, chickens and cotton candy.

Published in Editorials on September 27, 2012 12:31 PM