State and county fairs and the unique role they play in American life were celebrated July 25 at the Postal Service’s latest stamp dedication ceremony.
The State and County Fairs stamps celebrate events that are annual traditions in communities across the nation. The fairs often feature agricultural, horticultural and livestock exhibits, as well as carnival rides and food.
“From concerts and carnival rides to contests that award the grower of the largest pumpkin, fairs have something for everyone. Quintessentially American, fairs have become social and educational events with opportunities to learn, teach, socialize and have fun with friends and family,” said USPS Chief Operating Officer David Williams, who led the ceremony.
The event was held during the North Dakota State Fair in Minot.
Other speakers included Jim Olson, manager of KXMC-TV, a local CBS station; Renae Korslien, the North Dakota State Fair general manager; Corey Heiser, associate director and board member of the North Dakota Association of Fairs; Brianna Maddock, president of State Future Farmers of America; and vocalist Chloe Marie.
The stamps depict farmers unloading produce, a child sitting with carnival rides in the background, fairgoers admiring livestock and children buying carnival treats. The stamps are se-tenant, which means they work together as a single panoramic scene or as individual images.
The stamps are available at Post Offices and usps.com.
In her remarks, Maddock compared fairs to USPS — two institutions that bring people together.
“It is profoundly perfect that these stamps will allow the Postal Service to continue to foster these connections while giving a nod to the connective spirit of the fair,” she said.
