Co-Op Day Expresses Appreciation To Community

For many people, Thursday’s Co-Op Day at the Fair entails a momentary stop at the sponsor tent for a complimentary root beer float— and an equally hasty return to other Fair-afternoon happenings. However, this day has more behind it than simply a free cooldown for fairgoers.

The event was set in motion in 2000 by Kelly Knaff of the Lower Yellowstone Rural Electric Association, one of the seven original co-ops which contributed to the day. Richland Farm Mutual joined in the fun in 2008 and Horizon Resources will participate this year. Other members include Richland Federal Credit Union, Farm Credit Services, Mid-Rivers Communications, Nortana Grain, and CHS Farmer’s Elevator.

While these businesses offer different services, they all share a common connection to the community through their cooperative structure. The standard framework of a co-op includes open membership for all who use its services, democratic member participation through elected member representatives and corporate economic decisions, self-governing organization status, member/employee education, and community—not just co-op member—development emphasis.

Each of our local co-ops is highly involved in community support through areas such as health programs, educational scholarships, and valuable neighborhood organizations. Therefore, Co-op Day may seem like just another public service these businesses are willing to sponsor. There is a live radio broadcast from the sponsor tent, and information pamphlets concerning co-ops are available. In addition to being informative, this unique annual assemblage of 8 cooperative associations was designed specifically to show appreciation to constituents of the community cooperatives.

Both the sponsorship contribution to a large public gathering like the Fair and the provision of a fun treat for visitors are a part of showing their gratitude to the community. Pay an appreciative visit to your local co-op representatives under the sponsor tent across from the Fair Office anytime on Thursday, and enjoy a root beer float beginning at 4 p.m.!