I wasn’t going to write about our fair experience, but after several inquiries, I feel I need to share.

Our little family had a remarkable year at the fair, full of triumphs, heartbreak, laughter and lessons that will stay with us forever. My 11-year-old son, Colter, poured his heart and soul into his projects, and it showed. Colter placed first in showmanship with his market steer, Scooter, in his age group.

Watching them together is something I’ll never forget. Even when another steer ran uncontrollably toward them multiple times, Scooter stayed calm and steady. There was a moment when Colter, thinking the other steer wouldn’t stop, released Scooter’s halter. Scooter hesitated, took a small jump, looked around as if trying to decide if he should keep going, and then set himself back up. I cried tears of pure joy as the judge spoke about Colter’s hard work and the bond he shared with Scooter.

We didn’t place as well in weight class — Scooter could have used a little more muscle — but we did earn second place in rate of gain, a reflection of our feeding program. Colter’s 2-year-old cow, Fancy, placed eighth overall female. By the end of the week, he was eighth overall in both market and breeding exhibitor categories. Each banner brought tears and pride, especially with both sets of grandparents there to witness our boy shine.

But fair isn’t just about ribbons. It’s about the village it takes. Friends in the barns took turns cleaning stalls, looking out for everyone’s kids and animals, sharing advice and offering encouragement.

I will never forget the friends who rushed to help when Scooter had a messy accident, getting our boy back to his pure white self in under two minutes — so fast and seamless that the judge even commented. The friends who cared for our daughter when a fever and stomach bug hit on our biggest day — bringing soup, fetching Tylenol, holding her and offering comfort while I tried to keep everything under control. The friends who cooked for us every night, cheered, laughed and offered quiet camaraderie in the camper after long, exhausting days. The family who traveled three hours just to watch our shows. The friends who showed up to support us at the sale and even provided add-ons for our boy. These small acts of kindness created an entire village around us, and we are forever grateful.

The week’s end was one of the hardest moments of my life. Standing in the stall, giving Scooter all the hugs, kisses and best wishes we could manage, I tried to be strong. When they came to tell us it was time for him to go, my daughter wrapped her arms around him and yelled, “No, mommy! No, no, no!” The tears came, unstoppable. Then I watched my son, already brave beyond his years, walk Scooter onto the trailer, and with other kids, hold onto their animals’ ropes until every trailer was fully loaded. Only then did they give one last goodbye. My heart swelled with pride, awe and gratitude.

To many, it may not make sense why we endure this heartbreak. But beyond responsibility and work ethic, these experiences teach children invaluable life lessons: how to do hard things, how to care deeply, how to let go even when it hurts and how to give their best, even if it’s temporary. Some kids don’t want to see their animals leave — and that’s okay — but seeing them stand together, support one another and love so fiercely at the end of the road was breathtaking.

We miss Scooter so much. Coming home wasn’t an option for him, but I had a custom clay sculpture made of him. It sits on Colter’s dresser, a daily reminder of the love, laughter, lessons and memories that this remarkable fair week gave us.

In the end, what makes fair so unforgettable isn’t the ribbons or the banners — it’s the lessons tucked inside the heartbreak. It’s learning how to love something fiercely, give your all and still let go when it’s time. It’s seeing children stand tall, face hard moments with courage and support one another like a true village. It’s laughter in the barns, messy accidents turned into quick victories and quiet moments of pride that bring tears no one can hold back.

Fair teaches us that the most meaningful victories are not always on a scoreboard. They are in the patience, the perseverance, the compassion and the resilience we see in our children — and in ourselves. The heartbreak doesn’t diminish the joy; it magnifies it, showing us how deeply we can care, how brave we can be and how beautiful letting go can truly feel. Those lessons, carried home in hearts and memories, are far more lasting than any ribbon or trophy.

Mandy Orahood is the organization director at Ohio Farm Bureau Federation for Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull counties.