There were good times for many, especially ag people, a the 2011 Indiana State Fair. Unfortunately, it will always be remembered as the fair with the tragic stage collapse and the cancelled 4-H livestock shows.
If you went to the fair, or even if you didn't, perhaps these pictures will help you remember the better times you had there, or have had at past fairs. It was still a celebration of agriculture, and a chance for people who don't see ag every day to learn a little about agriculture and where food comes from.
If you see yourself in one of these pictures, or if you see an old tool or tractor that jogs a memory, let us know. We would love to hear form you. Reach us at tbechman@farmprogress.com.
Bean-tastic!
It was the year of the soybean, and characters like this one in the Beef Barn were scattered at several locations throughout the fairgrounds. Besides being funny, they usually conveyed a message.
And the winner is...
Steve Blessing, Ft. Wayne exhibited the supreme overall open class dairy cow, a Brown Swiss on the last Wednesday of the fair.
Say good-bye!
Dairy exhibitors load out tack and equipment after another state fair. Members of the Franklin FFA Chapter helped diary exhibitors get their tack out of the barn.
Beans and more beans
Soybeans were everywhere at the state fair. With some added water form a hose, these might have beat the state average yield this year!
Old-time music
Things were hopping at the Grand 'Ole Opry replay at Pioneer Village.
Fifty years and counting
People have been looking at antiques of agriculture at the state fair for 50 years. This was the 50th anniversary of the exhibit, now housed in Pioneer Village. Some things that were modern in 1961 are now some of the antiques!
FFA ambassador
Indiana FFA 2011-2012 president Casey Conley, Knightstown, welcomed guests to brand new gold holes, the petting zoo and Country Store in the Indiana FFA pavilion.
A home for friends
Dozens of ag groups and organizations helped build this home for an Indianapolis family during the fair. The Habitat for Humanity house was built behind the FFA pavilion, with FFA members serving as tour guides and helping on construction.