Op-Ed: See You at the Fair!

There’s nothing quite so American as an old-fashioned county fair. It’s a veritable smorgasbord of animals, games, vendors, and more food than you could eat in a week, drawing thousands from surrounding communities to celebrate summer and American traditions.

Wherever American traditions are celebrated, the Idaho GOP is there. Stop by your county or regional fair and you’ll find local Republican volunteers with signs, literature, and information about upcoming elections and elected representatives. You might even catch a candidate or elected official manning the booth!

Fairs remind us of our heritage. The sight of young people showing off the cows, pigs, chickens, and other animals they’ve raised by hand hasn’t changed much in the past hundred years. Idaho still depends heavily on pastures, dairies, and farms, and so our future depends on young people taking up that mantle.

Fairs are also a chance for small business owners to present their products. Just like the old-time peddler in the days before telephones and automobiles, today’s entrepreneurs come to the fair to connect with the community and meet potential customers.

The Idaho GOP is proud to be part of this amazing tradition. Our party is built from the ground up, so when you stop by our booth, you’ll be talking with your neighbors—people who’ve taken up the cause of faith, family, and freedom in the Gem State.

In a world where discourse has become bitter and impersonal, conducted behind keyboards and screens, county fairs give us a chance to meet face to face. I’ve had plenty of tough conversations while manning the GOP booth! It’s a good reminder that neither our friends nor our opponents are faceless automatons or AI chatbots, but real people made in God’s image.

At the fair this year, you’ll find important information, such as how to stand up for Idaho’s pro-life laws against out-of-state special interests, or how to sign the petition to repeal our state’s tax on groceries. You can buy great swag such as shirts, hats, and buttons. You’ll also find out who’s running for office in your area. The 105 lawmakers in our Legislature may not get as much attention as national figures, but they are your representatives—so it’s worth getting to know them.

The fair is also a great place to join our movement. We need volunteers, financial supporters, and good people to run for office, from precinct committeeman on up.

So if you’re headed to the fair this summer, take a few minutes to find the Republican booth. Say hello. Ask a question. Grab a pocket Constitution or a yard sign. And if you’re looking to get more involved in defending Idaho’s conservative values, we’d love to help you find your place in this fight.

See you at the fair!