The American Legion County Fair in Ebensburg offers a valuable experience for 4-H youth, teaching them life skills such as responsibility, respect, and fairness through raising and showing livestock. Participants like Keyaira Shall, Lexi Seilhamer, and Michael Watt emphasize the bonds formed with their animals and fellow 4-H members, as well as the hard work and dedication involved in preparing for the fair. The event fosters a sense of belonging and community, helping these young people develop lifelong friendships and a deeper understanding of agriculture, despite less than 1% of the population working in the field.
In addition to livestock shows, the fair features a variety of activities including quad drag racing, costume contests, rodeo events, and a monster truck show, appealing to all ages. New attractions like a live butterfly exhibit and Jurassic Kingdom add to the fun. The fair’s proceeds support improvements for future events, with planning for next year already underway, highlighting the ongoing community effort to maintain this cherished tradition.