[Page S5560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          ADDITONAL STATEMENTS

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              RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNUAL BETHLEHEM FAIR

<bullet> Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 
100th annual Bethlehem Fair and recognize the steadfast stewardship of 
the Bethlehem Fair Society.
  Connecticut is known for its many fall fairs, a symbol of the State's 
strong agrarian roots. While recognized today for our exemplary 
manufacturing industry, agriculture remains an important, vital part of 
our economy. Every year, I attend many of these fairs--including the 
Bethlehem Fair--to meet with the people of Connecticut and demonstrate 
my deep appreciation for our farmers and crafters.
  The Bethlehem Fair was founded in 1924 by Paul L. Johnson and has 
grown to be a truly remarkable institution in the local community and 
indeed all of Connecticut. Located at the historic Bethlehem Fair 
Grounds, the fair has anything and everything a fairgoer could want.
  The fair has all the offerings of a classic farmer's market, from 
stands of local fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products to 
exhibits of livestock that include beef and dairy cattle, poultry, 
goats and sheep, and even rabbits and cavies. The fair also has a 
packed schedule of events and competitions, including amusement rides, 
an antique tractor pull, competitions such as the Lumberjack Contest 
and the ``Ag-Olympics,'' and other entertainment such as art and 
photography shows, live music, and a vintage museum.
  Notably, the fair places a great importance on providing an 
educational experience. Youth from across the area flock to the fair to 
learn about farming and agriculture as both an occupation and a 
tradition and consider the future of farming. Building on this, the 
fair sponsors the Bethlehem Fair Scholarship Foundation, which each 
year awards over $20,000 in scholarships to graduates who plan to major 
in agri-business or home economics. Scholarships are awarded to 
students who have made outstanding contributions to their community, 
including through academic achievement, participation in school and 
community activities, and volunteering at the Bethlehem Fair.
  The Bethlehem Fair is an exceptional community-building event. It 
gives local businesses the opportunity for sponsorship and to market 
their products. It connects the people of Connecticut and gives them a 
place to share experiences and learn from each other. And it uniquely 
promotes a spirit of altruism and giving back.
  The Bethlehem Fair continues to be a landmark event in Connecticut, 
and I have no doubt that it will remain that way for many years to 
come. I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring the 100th annual 
Bethlehem Fair and the hard work for the Bethlehem Fair 
Society.<bullet>

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