The St. Tammany Parish Fair Educational Exhibits are open to the public Thursday, the first day of the fair. I was able to get a sneak preview on Wednesday, and here are a few photographs.
The educational exhibit building is one of the most popular places to visit during the run of the fair, a favorite for parents and grandparents. It is a chance to see throughout St. Tammany school system what the students are doing, especially the artwork. There's info on history, personalities, career discussions, and school spirit, all rolled into each exhibit. Every school has endeavored to showcase the work of their students, teachers, and their hope for the future.
In fact, the theme of this year's educational exhibits is "We Are The Future of St. Tammany," and that, blended with this year's school system's theme of "Leadership Into the Future," students have been taught the importance of thinking about their future careers, opportunities to go to college, and the ultimate goal of living a fulfilling, satisfying life. That may sound over the top, but that's what the exhibits are showing.
I thought the movie series "Back to the Future" was too long ago to still have any impact on today's young people, but I was amazed to see numerous references to that film throughout the exhibits. Apparently the students of today have not only seen the three Back To The Future movies, but they have taken to heart the themes and advice it offered. Many exhibits pinpoint the concerns and questions many young people have, but there is overwhelming awareness of the need to achieve a balance, strive to find joy in the little things, pursue the never-ending thrill of learning, and being aware of the needs of others.
So if you have some spare time over the next few days, you can visit the fairgrounds on Columbia Street in Covington and see for yourself what students have to say across the parish, the pride they have in their schools, and the hope they have for the future.
The St. Tammany Parish Fair has been an annual event for over 100 years, keeping St. Tammany Parish residents aware of their accomplishments as a farming community, its current livestock and landscape nursery achievements, horiculture and gardening, and its entertainment choices that include rodeos, pageants, and midway amusement rides.
