WHEREAS, The Washington legislature supports 66 agricultural fairs across the state through allocations to the Fair Fund, and events at fairgrounds throughout Washington attract close to 8 million people annually; and

WHEREAS, Fairs help educate Washington children through cooperation with local schools, providing young people with opportunities to learn where their food comes from, and other aspects of agriculture and farm life that enhance classroom teaching in science, math, social studies, reading, and art and support the state's Essential Academic Learning Requirements; and

WHEREAS, Displays, demonstrations, and special events at fairs and fairgrounds educate the public, offering many their first opportunity to see piglets and calves nursing, chicks hatching, and examples of local crops, and introducing people to the benefits of farm life and the importance of agriculture, which is Washington's largest employer; and

WHEREAS, Fairs provide members of 4-H and Future Farmers of America and other young people with opportunities to learn and demonstrate skills related to management, accounting, economics, public speaking, and more, with research showing this experience leads to better grades, greater interest in pursuing higher education, less inclination toward risky behaviors, and stronger family and community participation; and

WHEREAS, Fairs and activities at fairgrounds are sources of free entertainment and free youth activities, which are particularly important during difficult economic times, when 4-H enrollment grows as parents look for positive activities for their children; and

WHEREAS, Fairs support communities, as a walk along any midway confirms, with school organizations, churches, civic groups, and others operating food booths, dunk tanks, and other fund-raisers in support of everything from college scholarships to holiday food baskets; and

WHEREAS, Fairgrounds also serve as important venues for youth activities, community-related events, and cultural and other activities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate acknowledge the high value of fairs and fairgrounds, which collectively represent the state's largest classroom, filled with lifelong learning opportunities for the people of Washington; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Washington State Fairs Association.