Thursday, July 25, 2019

Stamps Celebrate America's Fairs



The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the fun of America’s state and county fairs with four new Forever stamps. The State and County Fairs Forever stamps were dedicated at the North Dakota State Fair in Minot, ND, on Thursday, July 25. 

"The great thing about fairs is they have something for everyone, from concerts and carnival rides to cotton candy and contest winners," said Postal Service Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President David E. Williams, who served as the dedicating official. “These whimsical stamps highlight the educational and social value fairs bring to communities with opportunities to learn, teach, and have fun with friends and family.” 

Fairs are annual events that families and communities anticipate with enthusiasm. State and county fairs are quintessential Americana. Long before there were extension services or schools of agriculture, America’s fairs were organized to educate farm families in the agricultural, mechanical and domestic arts.  

At the earliest fairs, the educational mission was enlivened by competitions for the “best” or “biggest” and are still among the most popular events today. Competitors vie to produce the best in baked goods or the most perfect — and largest — example of a particular fruit, vegetable or flower. Competitive livestock exhibitions display the hard work that goes into raising farm animals. A lucky few display the ribbons their efforts have won.

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