County Fair Tour Part 2

7/19/2013 One of Iowa’s best kept secrets is the Polk Co. Fair. Located on the Iowa State Fairgrounds, this fair’s presence has the same energy and family presence similar to other county fairs.

County Council flipping pancakes

The County Council, who has been there since 5 am, has their annual pancake breakfast to raise funds for their activities. They have become masters at flipping pancakes just 10 minutes before closing time.

Kris was lucky enough to catch both the dairy and meat goat shows.  Andrew Vincent of the Alleman Aces 4-H Club says that their family has modified their diet to incorporate a meat product they raise. It has the nutritional content similar to chicken, and can be used to replace nearly anything one would put ground pork or beef in.  Kris says, "I've never had a goat burger, but he makes me want to try one!"

Andrew Vincent preps his goat for the show

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7/19/2013 Boone County, this fair is for YOU! This is the standard by which a 'typical' county fair should operate. It was awesome to see everything a fair should have- lunch being served by the commodity producers (in this case, beef, because it was cattle day), midway, food stands (including a 4-H one), commercial building and bustling activity with presenters attracting audiences in the middle of fair.

Lauren wore her ear tag earrings

Speaking of it being Beef Day, 4-H alum Lauren wore her 4-H ear tag earrings just to share the spirit!

The first highlight I was able to participate in was The Extravaganza.  It's a 'working exhibit' of sorts with 4-H'ers as well as many other contributors (soil conservation, pork producers, day care centers) utilizing a table to showcase a hands-on experience.  One of the clubs, specifically a space science club, did make-a-rocket out of marshmallows, spice drops & a Hershey's kiss. What kiddo wouldn't want to do that???

Kris also had the great pleasure of running into 4-H State Council alum, Lori Muench, who comes in for 'the home county fair.'  She now lives in Webster County and her kids are involved in 4-H there.

Kris with Lori Muench

Face painting is a highlight for kids of all ages!

  

Kris has seen Quilt Blocks at several fairs, and am just getting to drawing attention to it! Quilting is an age-old art that many feel will be lost because of young quilters not picking up the talent. This is helping that mission! Quilters hold a quilt-block contest, some with youth & some with adults. You vote on the quilt block as your favorite this year (in Boone, it's a Christmas quilt block). Then, between fair this year and next, they'll make it into a quilt and sell raffle tickets on it next year.  This year’s is a beautiful purple quilt.
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7/19/2013 Great things going on in Story County!

Kris got to experience move-in day for the fair, see horses coming in, and experience some of those classes. It reminded her of handing out ribbons when she was county fair queen... horses were her favorite!  The rest of the livestock can start coming in tonight at midnight. Yes, midnight!

She also wanted to point out the "super cool" 4-H barn quilt! As mentioned in a previous post, we love barn quilts here at the Iowa 4-H Foundation.

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Have you been to any of these fairs? Comment below to tell me what your favorite fair/event was! You can also share your county fair photos with us on our Facebook Page. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram and use #IA4HFair to share your photos. We will share our favorites!