When I was just three years old, I went to the County Fair with my family. I don’t remember much about that day, but I do remember one thing clearly: I came home with my very first chicken.
It was a small, fluffy bird—probably confused, definitely loud—and I was instantly obsessed. That one chicken changed the course of my childhood. I raised it. I named it. And I’ve been keeping chickens ever since.
Every year after that, the fair became a fixture in our lives. My flock grew. I started learning how to build coops, care for birds in winter, and collect eggs before I could even tie my shoes. And it all started at the county fair.
Fairs Like This Still Matter
Today, more kids live in towns and cities than ever before. Fewer of them grow up with hands-on experiences like this. That’s why fairs are still important—they’re one of the last places where families can connect with animals, agriculture, and small-town community values.
Recently, Cody Deluisio wrote a powerful letter to the editor about why we need to support the Westmoreland County Fair. I couldn’t agree more. His letter reminded me of where it all started for me—right there at the fairgrounds, holding a chicken I didn’t know how to care for but was determined to love anyway.
Why I Still Support the Westmoreland County Fair
I’ve raised chickens continuously since that day. What started as a novelty has become a lifestyle, and eventually a small farm. But it never would’ve happened without that first fair, or that first chicken. And it’s why I support people like Cody Deluisio who are speaking up to keep these traditions alive.
If you grew up in Westmoreland County—or even if you didn’t—you should read Cody Deluisio’s letter. It’s a reminder that what happens at your local fair might just change someone’s life. It certainly changed mine.
Final Thoughts
I still remember that first chicken. I still go to the Westmoreland County Fair. And I still believe that this fair matters—not just for the animals or the ribbons, but for the memories and beginnings it creates.
If you care about local agriculture, rural values, or just want your kids to have a chance to chase a chicken through a dusty barn aisle, do one small thing today: read and share Cody Deluisio’s letter. It’s worth it.
