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!