The 67th annual Berrien County Youth Fair (BCYF) takes place in Berrien Springs next week, Aug. 13-18. The fair offers southwest Michigan families a wonderful opportunity to enjoy great food, rides and world-class entertainment as well as see the talent of area youth on display.

The fair is also an occasion to help nurture the next generation. The vision of the BCYF is “Building the character of the community by developing the character of our youth.” Its purpose is to promote and advance the interests of agriculture, horticulture, household arts and related fields while instilling character in our young people and building a solid foundation for our future.

The hard work and dedication required bringing an exhibit to the fair help produce the kind of character needed for strong communities. The event will include more than 14,000 exhibits ranging from dairy, beef and sheep to home economics and horticulture, presented by more than 2,500 youth from 5 to 20 years old.

As it has for more than six decades, the BCYF will recognize the exhibit winners with hard-earned prizes. This year’s winners will receive cash prizes, trophies, savings bonds and gift certificates.

The BCYF is one of the largest fairs of its kind in the Midwest. This is for good reason; every year the fair provides outstanding fun for the whole family while showcasing the incredible talents of thousands of our young people.

Here’s to yet another successful BCYF. Congratulations to the youth and to the organizers of the fair for putting on an event that makes southwest Michigan proud.

For more information about the fair and to purchase grandstand tickets, please visit www.bcyf.org.

I hope to see you at the fair!

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents the 21st District, which includes Berrien and Cass counties and most of Van Buren County.