Photo by courtesyPhoto Daniel Myers poses with his cow, Dolly, at The Great Frederick Fair.

It has been a tradition since 1880 in Frederick County that kids have their own day at The Great Frederick Fair to learn about agriculture in a hands-on environment.

In recent years, there has been controversy regarding the educational value of kids' day at the fair. Some may think the day is a time for students to gossip with friends at the midway, but it can be much more.

The fair is the "largest agricultural classroom in the county," said Becky Brashear, executive assistant of the fair.

There is something for students to learn in every grade level, from pre-kindergarten to high school.

The Fair Board meets with Frederick County Public School curriculum specialists to decide the fair's theme according to what students will be learning at school. Many teachers give students assignments that are relatd to the fair.

"It is important for a changing community like Frederick to educate students agriculturally because it is a major part of our culture," said Brashear.

Children's Day is "the past and future all in one," said Greg White, volunteer from the Eastern Shore.

White said the fair is "the one part of history you can't undo" because it has been a tradition for so long.

When students come to the fair, they experience things they can't get from sitting in a classroom. Students can find activities such as crafts, guided tours and educational games.

Although many agree that Children's Day should be upheld, there are those who do not see its importance. Anne Marie Roy, a local parent, believes that some parents disagree with Children's Day because they think it is a day for students to skip school and be with friends. Some parents say that students would learn more in a classroom.

Many students involved in 4-H miss a whole week of school to show animals. These students provide others with a new learning experience. Daniel Myers, 13, who goes to Thurmont Middle School, is showing three heifers during the week.

"I believe it is important to teach agriculture because if kids don't learn now, they will never learn later," said Myers.

Myers has grown up around agriculture and thinks it is important to keep agriculture alive.

Children's Day at the fair continues to be a big part of Frederick County's history. It is a time for families to come together and learn about the history and agriculture. It consists of many generations learning from each other. Children's Day is not only an educational experience, it is tradition.