Cookport Fair

I recently had the pleasure of attending the 94th Annual Cookport Fair - presented by Green Township Community Association, which was held from September 12th - 17th.

Getting to the fair in Commodore was a breeze as directions on their website lead me directly to the fairgrounds where parking was free!

A favorite with families attending the fair were the livestock displays.  Visitors were able to get a very up-close view of various farm animals.

The goats were extremely friendly.  In fact, they were so eagerly looking for treats that I almost lost my camera strap to a hungry goat who thought it apparently looked appetizing!  It was a lot of fun seeing the very cute and very friendly animals!

Below: Very friendly baby goats that were only 8 weeks old.

My family really enjoyed the horse displays at this particular fair. The way the horse stalls were designed here enabled spectators to more easily see the horses due to the wire fencing.  At other fairs I have attended, the enclosures are mostly solid wooden rails making it difficult to see the animals - especially for the smallest of visitors. 

A historical sign marker in a planter in the middle of the fairgrounds.

Check out this remarkable display of items entered into various contests.

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to attend my first-ever auction - and what a great auction I picked to attend - A Bake Sale Auction!  At this auction, the award-winning baked goods from the baked goods contests were auctioned off to the highest bidder.  For affordable amounts of money, attendees were taking home loads of tempting pies, beautiful breads, cookies and more!

Admission to the fair was $4 per person which permitted you to look at the numerous livestock and agricultural displays.  You could enjoy music and entertainment while also looking at the various booths - including retail booths as well as food booths.

Music and entertainment throughout the week was provided by: 7 Mile Run Band, Jerry Shickling Band, 5th Voice Gospel Quartet, Paul Rode/Drum Corps, Marion Center High School Band, Fellowship Gospel Quartet, Blue Grass/Country-Redding Run Band, Twolick Senior Band, Yesteryear Sounds - Randolph Scott, Baby Boomers Music - White Shadow Band, Penns Manor High School Band, Purchase Line High School Band, Star Twirlers Drill Team, Fabulous Flashbacks, DJ and Karaoke by Bair Music and Johnny Cash Tribute - OLE 97 Band.

Other activities occurring throughout the week included: Talent Shows, Garden Tractor Pull (dead sled), horse shows, baked goods auction, tractor pull-6,000 lbs, log sawing contests, basket auction, tractor pull-8,000 lbs, pet parade and horse pulling contests (light and heavy).

Rides were also present at the fair.  Spectators could purchase single tickets to ride their desired ride or purchase a "ride all day" wristband for that particular day.  There were also numerous games spread throughout the fair grounds for those wanting to try their luck at winning a prize.

Amusements were provided by:

Here are some shots of the many food and retails booths at the fair. 

The fair provided a great family-fun atmosphere!  Be sure to stop by next year - I know I will!

Indiana County Fair 2011

The 149th Annual Indiana County Fair was held August 28th through September 3rd! 

On Sunday, August 28th, there was free admission all day long in honor of "Family Day"!  Christmas trees arrived early that morning, followed by an Antique Motor and Machinery Show.  I arrived just in time to observe the Kid's Pedal Tractor Pull for youngsters 4 to 11 years old.  Kids eagerly lined up to take their turn at the challenge of who could pedal the tractor the furthest.  Proud parents, family and friends as well as other fair spectators filled the grandstand to cheer on the adorable kids.  Also on Sunday, there was a 4-H dog show, an outhouse race, an antique tractor parade, the crowning of the 2011 Indiana County Fair Queen- Colleen McDowell and the evening concluded with "Harvest Home Festival - His Servant in Concert".

Monday, August 29th was $5 admission day with Senior Citizens and Veterans receiving free admission courtesy of the Indiana County Commissioners.  Livestock entries continued being received that morning, followed by harness racing, a log sawing contest, junior dairy showmanship contest.  Pit Passes could be purchased for $10 to attend the Keystone mini-modified pull, stock gasoline 4x4 pickup pull.

Tuesday, August 30th - Indiana Regional Medical Center Day - began the $8 admission after 2pm days which included "Midway Rides of Utica"!  Events of the day included: Jr. Swine Show and Jr. Swine Showmanship, Open Dairy Show & Jr. Dairy Show, Draft Horse Show & Miniature Horse Show, Harness Racing and "Band Night" - where local high school bands performed!

Wednesdays festivities included: Sheep Show, Harness Racing, 4-H Rabbit Show, Lead Line Contest and a performance by Josh Thompson!

Kicking off the Month of September, Thursday the 1st was Turner Dairy Day!  A Beef Show, 4-H Horse Show, 4-H Goat Show, Premier Showmanship Contest/Cheese Auction/Milk Chugging Contest happened throughout the day before the evening activities from local cheerleaders on this "Cheerleading Expo Night"!

Friday September 2nd was Tri-Star Motors Day! Events happening throughout the day included:  a Horse Show, 4-H and FFA Trophy Presentation, Jr. Livestock Sale and an auction.  Later in the evening, fair-goers could purchase a $10 pit pass to attend the "Limited Pro Stock & Smoker Series Tractors, Big Rig Semi's".

 A Horseshoe Pitching Contest, Demolition Derby (with a fee of $20 for Car and Drivers and $15 for Pit Passes) and a Stock-Semi, Tri-Axle Dump & 4x4 Truck Pull (with a $15 hook fee and $10 pit pass) concluded the week-long fair on Saturday, September 3rd.

Below are photos taken of just a few of the numerous tractors and farm equipment that were on display at the fair grounds.  All ages could be seen looking at the fabulous equipment display - including the littlest of "fans".

Below are photos taken from the midways of the eating areas.  From chicken to hot sausage, homemade ice cream to stromboli,  fair favorites like funnel cakes and cotton candy, to unique items such as chocolate covered bacon, there was food there to please every palate.

Beginning on Tuesday, the all-day $8 admission included numerous amusement rides!

For those that enjoy a challenge, many games lined the ride area  - attracting many people attempting their hand at some skills and good luck!

Below are just a sampling of the displays from the agricultural buildings after award ribbons were presented!

Here's the Indiana County Tourist Bureau booth from inside one of the agricultural buildings!

And of course, what's a county fair without photos of livestock? 

There was also a "Kiddie Farm" area for children which included hands-on activities such as "fishing", riding a tractor, making butter and seeing baby animals plus much more!

Next to the "Kiddie Farm" area was the swine display.

Below is the entrance to one of the horse areas.

Below are photos from one of the horse shows!

I had a wonderful time attending the county fair.  Each day that I attended, there was something new to see and experience!  It's a very family friendly event that is perfect for all ages.  I can't wait to go back next year and hope to see you there!