I read this article out of curiosity, and then went to the barn to see my pigs and while I was there I realized how important the Iowa State Fair is. I began thinking the Iowa State Fair is where I’ve met friends, made memories, and had lots of laughs. It is my family’s favorite (and only) summer vacation, and is a tradition we like to keep. I can’t imagine my life without the Iowa State Fair and it’s a shame some people never get to experience it. Once during my thirteen years as a student at Washington Community Schools the school year start during the state fair, and one time was enough for the district to see that it is not necessary. We still get out at the end of May or the beginning of June. Keep reading below on why it’s OK to start school after the Iowa State Fair:
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When times get tough, the agriculture industry comes together. The support your "show family" gives is nothing short of amazing. They'll help you, pray for you, and encourage you. When someone needs help in the field, all the farmers around them stop what they're doing and gather to make sure the person in need is taken care of. This proves why American agriculture is the backbone of America. I heard tonight at a book reading by a world renowned novelist Jane Smiley said, "Iowa is where farming is." Mrs. Smiley has writen many thousand of pages about Iowa farms, and was very complimentary of farming. Everyday I thank The Lord for making me a part of such an amazing industry.
The history in agriculture is amazing. Look forward to more stories, but one of my favorites is the house that built me. This house has been re-modeled to fit many generations of my family but the original home turns 100 years old this year. Built in 1914, my great-great grandpa paid $2,700 for the home. My great grandpa was born in the front room and when I graduated, my great aunt Viola toured the renovated home, explaining how it used to be. My grandpa, my dad, and now my sisters and I grew up in this home. I'm blessed and proud of the house that built me, including the story behind it.
After sharing my thoughts reflection on the Washington Post article, written about the cost of showing livestock, I was overwhelmed and extremely excited about the positive feedback I received from people who read my blog. I received emails, messages, texts, and phone calls from friends, family, and people I had never met before. My post was shared on Facebook over 90 times; it was tweeted, and even shared with the Washington Post. I once again realized how amazing the livestock industry is. With all the comments and positive feedback, I really enjoyed reading what everyone thought of the article and how showing lifestock has impacting them. My favorite two stories are shown below:
Did you read the Washington Post article “Swine for sale: How kids’ livestock shows became a cutthroat (and expensive” business)”, that focuses on the negative part of showing livestock? I don't recommend it. An article that mentions that the most expensive pig always wins is not an article that you should spend your time reading.
"Escorting me tonight is my dad, Tim Marek. I can't ask for a better hero and role model. Raising four girls, you can all imagine how interesting his life can be. Let's be honest, how many men do you see that can rock a pig tie?
Often times the phrase “Born in a Barn” is seen negatively, but not at our house. Luckily, we were not legitimately born in a barn, although some days it seems like we live there. The barn is where you go to work, to escape the rest of the world, and to prepare for an upcoming event. It is where arguments take place, as well as many laughs. Tears are sometimes shed as plans don’t happened as planned. It’s where you learn how to work hard, accomplish the impossible, never give up, and always look towards the future. Most importantly, it’s where a family bonds.
The barn is where the work is put into before traveling to a show. Nothing means family bonding like six people packed into a six passenger truck traveling to a destination hours away. The goal remains the same, winning. The animals change with each show, and not matter what, new memories are always made. My favorite days are when my family meets in the barn. The animals are taken care of everyday, but the animals are the reasons my family comes together and works to accomplish the same goal. Dirty clothes, shower caps protecting our hair, radio blasting, the people I love surrounding me; that’s what my barn means to me. |
About MeSoutheast Iowa born. Ames living. College girl experiencing the real world. Stay in the KnowArchives
April 2015
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