One of the annual joys of rural life is the fair.

Few of our city-dwelling counterparts will know the smells of fresh hay in the barn, manure, hot grease and sugar and wood smoke all mingling with the sounds of laughter, rattling rollercoasters and delighted screams. The small town fair is still one of the few remaining places in public where people come together to mingle with friends and strangers with one common goal: to have a good time.

We are happy to remind our readers that we have an opportunity this week to experience all of that and more at the annual Pearl River County Fair in Poplarville. Today the fair kicks into high gear as awards for adult and youth exhibits are handed out, the rides will be running and, tonight only, we’ll have an opportunity to see a real, live horse-whisperer in action (that’s at 7 p.m.).

If you can’t make it tonight, make a point of going later this week. There are different events every evening but no matter what day you go, you’re sure to have the opportunity to eat tasty (if guilt-inducing) food and ride exciting rides. Also, if you go on Saturday, the rides are half-off.

Going to the fair is fun for most of us, but it’s more than that for the kids who raise animals for auction and show. For them, the county fair is an opportunity to show off their livestock after months of early-morning feedings, grooming and other care. County fairs help teach kids responsibility, healthy competition and a love for animals—valuable skills that can help shape good citizens.

You don’t need to personally buy an animal to support the young farmers, but do take a few minutes to walk through the barn and admire their hard work and dedication.

The weather’s fine, there’s fun to be had, so there’s no excuse. See you at the fair.