The smell of funnel cakes and livestock filled the barns last week as the Macon County Fair celebrated its 70th anniversary. Macon County’s version keeps things simple with local booths and plenty of small-town charm.
For many students, the highlight was showing animals. “The FFA booth [was] amazing, and I’ve been showing hogs and cattle,” said Franklin High School’s Izzy Scruggs, grade 11, who proudly took home the grand champion title in her competition. Of course, not everyone came for the competition; some showed up for the vibes. “Oh, the fluffy sheep,” laughed Caden Birchard, grade 11, when asked about his favorite part of the fair.
Middle schoolers kept it real, too. “I’d rather have funnel cake,” said MMS student McCray Tallent without hesitation when asked if corn dogs or funnel cakes were better. His classmate, Levi Rogers, confessed his first stop was the ice cream stand when he arrived. Beyond livestock and booths, the fair was about style, too. MMS student Brooklyn Tallent declared boots and jeans the go-to outfit. A fitting choice for a county fair that leans on tradition.
Students weren’t the only people in attendance, though, and many townsfolk stepped up to support them. At the FFA booth, FHS student Zackeus McDaniel, grade 11, recalled a moment of generosity. “Today, I asked someone if they wanted to buy a shirt or a bracelet that will help out FFA,” McDaniel recounted. “[The man] sadly said no, but that he would give a $20 donation instead. Then I asked, ‘Are you sure, sir?’ And [the man] said, ‘Well, for you being so kind and asking, I will actually give a [$50 donation].”
The fair brought out community leaders, including Sheriff Brent Holbrooks, who has attended since childhood. “The fair’s been around for 70 years now, and I’ve been coming here since I was a kid,” he said. “The best part is the camaraderie and everybody getting together and showing support for small-town USA.” Holbrooks even braved the dunk tank. “It was cold,” he admitted with a grin, “but I love being involved.”
Community booths like the dunk tank were a big draw at the fair, especially for locals who are a part of West Macon Fire Department. Jonathan Rogers, working their booth, shared an idea for the future: “I would combine the fair with the National Night Out. Bring the fire departments, sheriff’s department, and police together for one big event so the whole community can get to know us. We need more young people in the departments, and this would be a great way to bring families together.” Jo Rogers agreed, adding, “We need to bring it back to what it was and have more community participation.” 
