Mid-Ohio Valley residents have spent the last 5 months or so experiencing loss after loss — ranging from the crushing blow of losing a job to the slow bleed of losing the opportunity to participate in one cherished tradition after another. It has taken a toll on all of us.

But we can celebrate that one tradition carries on: The Washington County Fair kicks off today.

It will not be quite the fair we are used to, but it is happening. There will be a few food vendors and, of course, the 4-H livestock show.

Bravo to the Washington County Fair Board for figuring out how to make this wonderful tradition happen again this year for our young people. With a Washington County Health Department-approved plan, they are finding a way to carry on the shows and sales for which these participants work so hard each year.

“I didn’t really think I would (show her dairy feeder steer), especially since most of the counties around us are closing their fairs,” said Allison Florence, 17, of Little Hocking. “I’m really glad we didn’t. I love showing.”

Though there will be fewer people on the fairgrounds this year — and yes, that support will be missed — it seems as though organizers are making the best out of what could have been another major loss for our community.

Thank you, folks.