Chances are, if you visit the Lawrence County Fair this year, you will find something you like.

Like years past, organizers have lined up a good blend of entertainment, including country music concerts, truck and tractor pulls and the always-popular demolition derby. While the entertainment is a motive in itself to visit the fair, the most important reason for us to visit the fair is our youth.

This week in Rome Township, members of county 4-H and Future Farmers of America clubs will display their projects for all the county to see. While this week is the culmination of their efforts, the hard work and dedication began months ago.

The youth involved in the fair work hard throughout the year to nurture their project. Whether it is a

market animal or a photography project, they spend countless hours preparing their project so they can show it off at the fair.

The highlight of the junior fair, as always, will be the livestock sales on Friday and Saturday. This gives these young people not only the opportunity to recoup some of the money they have spent on the project, but also earn a little extra cash to put toward next year's project or, for some, to set aside for college.

Many buyers and sponsors come to Lawrence County Fair each year so that the youth can be rewarded for their hard work and dedication to their projects. We offer a tip of the hat to these folks and encourage others to get involved.

These projects help young people build self esteem, learn valuable work habits and further their education.

We urge all county residents to visit the fair this week. We owe it to these children to attend their showcase and show them we support what they are doing.

Ohio's county fairs are a large part of our agricultural heritage. They give our communities good, family oriented entertainment while maintaining our agricultural roots. We salute organizers of this year's fair for another job well done.