My Take: By Aiden Wilson

Fairs are a shining example of communal life, and have a long, storied history, with evidence of their existence that can be traced back more than 2,000 years. That being said, their existence today conveys a sombre reality for the state of the traditional community. As technological advances expand the opportunity for connections beyond the limitations of distance, we’re starting to see a disconnect in younger generations from their local spaces. They instead favour more specific connections over close, naturally forming ties. What this means for local fairs is that the pool of younger volunteers to take up the mantle of their elders in running these events is starting to dwindle. Though it may seem grim, one also could be amazed at the rise of more universal fairs and conventions, which bring together people of all shapes and sizes to share their passions; an evolution.