There are seven Jewish festivals or feasts outlined in the Old Testament, in the book of Leviticus chapter 23. The Feast of Weeks occurred 50 days after the First-fruits festival and celebrated the end of the grain harvest. The primary focus of the festival was gratitude to God for the harvest.
Whether it was in the Old or the New Testament, agriculture was a way of life, much the same as it has been throughout the years in Delaware County and the surrounding counties. While it is true there were more sheep farmers than cattle in The Bible and they were more concerned with their wheat crops they still struggled with much the same thing as the farmers of today struggle with. The weather was always an issue, whether it was too much rain, not enough, drought, excessive heat, predators, the economy, taxes, selling their produce, having enough to feed their families and we can’t forget the sacrifices that they were required to make to God. They were at the mercy of God just as all of us are today.
We may not all be farmers or even come from a farming family but thousands of people over the years have looked forward to and enjoyed attending the Delaware County Fair. Some people might come for the week while others might just enjoy the fair for a few hours.
Over the years, the Delaware County Fair has hosted some “top entertainers” including Jo Dee Messina, Dolly Parton, Frankie Ballard, Montgomery Gentry, Thompson Square, Blake Shelton, and Little Big Town just to name a few - not counting some of our own well-known entertainers. But also over the years the Delaware County Fair has had the “Most Famous Person of All” who has been present at the Fair whether it was going on for one day or seven days, no matter the weather and no matter the cost. He has been present here in the midst of all the people young and old alike, through the mud, the rain, the cold and even in the cow barns and we all know him as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The Delaware County Fair is a week of fun, food, festivities and excitement. There is something for everyone no matter the age. It seems to culminate our summer, the harvest season and it is the “unofficial” end of summer and the “unofficial” start of leading us into the school year and fall. The summer is kind of winding down once the fair is over - in fact the weather even seems to agree because the days start to turn colder and we often see that “white stuff” in the air.
Enjoy the fair no matter how long or how often you come, take in the sights, the smells, the sounds, the entertainment and all of the people that you probably haven’t seen since last year and most of all remember to thank our Lord and Savior for the harvest that has brought us all together once again.
* Marsha Muller is lay preacher at the United Presbyterian Church, Walton.
