BROWN COUNTY FAIR REFLECTIONS 2020 - BROWN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
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Brown County
Fair Reflections
2020
2 - Brown County Fair Reflections
BROWN COUNTY REPUBLICANS
RE-ELEC T Donald Trump President Eric Holcomb Governor
Mike Pence Vice-President Suzanne Crouch Lt. Governor
Curtis Hill Attorney General Eric Koch State Senator
Congressman Trey Hollingsworth Chris May State Representative
VO T E Chuck Braden County Commissioner Mary Smith County Recorder
Jerry Pittman County Commissioner Andi Bond County Treasurer
David Critser County Council
Scott Rudd County Council
Judy Swift Powdrill County Council
Contact Mark Bowman-Chairman, BC GOP at 317.691.7394 or mebow45@yahoo.com
Save the Date
Date: October 2, 2020
Brown Where: Season’s Conference Center
County Time: 6:00 PM
Republican Special Guest: Tony Katz, WIBC Conservative Tony Katz
American radio host, Author
Lincoln Day MC: Pete Seat, VP w/ Bose Public Affairs Group,
Dinner Former Indiana Republican Party Executive
Director and served as President George W. Bush Pete Seat
Deputy Assistant Press Secretary
Contact: Robyn at 317.431.6346 for more information
Mark Bowman, Chairman • Deb Noe, Vice-Chairman • Judy Hamilton, Secretary • Julia Reeves, Treasurer
Want to receive emails from the BC GOP Call or email Robyn@Tramcore.com
Follow us on Facebook Brown County GOP
Brown County GOP | P.O. Box 1490 | Nashville, IN 47448
Paid for by the Brown County Republican Central Committee, Julia Reeves, Treasurer.
Contact Robyn at 317.431.6346 or Robyn@Tramcore.com
BC-35046284 Brown County Fair Reflections - 3
4 - Brown County Fair Reflections
LETTER FROM THE BOARD
‘This decision
was not taken
lightly’
Virtual 4-H exhibitions to replace in-person fair
May 22, 2020
Dear 4-H members, families and volunteers,
The Brown County 4-H Fair Board met on May 19 and
the Brown County 4-H Council met on May 21 to discuss
the status of the 2020 4-H Fair with the extension office.
After much discussion and deliberation, the decision
was made to have a virtual fair.
This decision was not taken lightly. Ultimately, both
The Democrat file photo
the 4-H Council and 4-H Fair Board felt that with our
current resources, we would be unable to comply with
Colorful ribbons indicated the grand champions, champions and top winners for various 4-H projects in the
exhibit building during the 2019 Brown County 4-H Fair.
the safety requirements set forth by Purdue Extension
to ensure the safety of all those in attendance.
While the grandstand events, midway/carnival, open What you need to know:
The virtual fair
class, baby and toddler pageants, commercial vendors,
and 4-H livestock auction will not occur for 2020, 4-H
members still have the opportunity to exhibit projects in
a virtual format.
Both leadership groups and our 4-H volunteer leaders
put countless hours of work into preparing for the Staff Reports Results from 4-H project judging will be
fair each year. We also recognize the vast amount of posted on FairEntry during fair week, July
Brown County 4-H families received a 27-31.
financial and emotional resources 4-H members have
paper newsletter in the mail explaining
invested in their projects which makes this decision Britt Copeland, the Brown County Purdue
how to enter their 4-H projects in the vir-
incredibly heartbreaking for everyone involved. Extension educator for 4-H Youth Develop-
tual fair.
It is our hope that we can make the 2020 Virtual ment, plans to post a series of livestock
First, 4-H’ers need to decide what project
Brown County 4-H Fair a meaningful celebration of entry videos to social media. His plan is
categories they’re entering. That needed
our county youth’s resilience and achievement. This to post those videos on the day the shows
to be done by June 15. Each animal being
has been a challenging year for all of us in many dis- would have been done in person according
exhibited also needs to be enrolled in
proportional ways. It is now our time to demonstrate to the usual fair schedule. Animal shows
4HOnline by July 1.
what being a 4-H member means to our community by that would have happened before fair week
Then, information for each exhibit will
pledging our head, heart, hands and health to better will be worked into the fair week video
need to be uploaded through the FairEntry
living for ourselves, our community, our country and posting schedule.
site, the same site members use each year
our world. 4-H Exhibit Hall projects will be com-
to enter projects. This time, when adding
Please join us in that pledge by making the best of piled into a photo gallery to be shared to
an exhibit, members will be prompted to
our fair this year. We are excited to share this virtual social media.
submit additional photos and information.
showcase with friends, family and everyone who might 4-H members who won champion banners
FairEntry uploads can be completed
not have been able to attend an in-person event. and trophies will be able to pick those up
between June 15 and July 15. The website
Questions and concerns can be directed to the Purdue and be recognized during the 4-H Awards
to log into is http://browncountyindiana.
Extension-Brown County office at 812-988-5495 or to the Banquet, tentatively set for Sept. 26 in
fairentry.com. 4-H’ers will need to know
4-H Youth Development Educator at copelanb@purdue. person.
their 4HOnline credentials to log in.
edu. The livestock auction will not happen.
Step-by-step instructions on how to enter
Sincerely, 4-H animal project producers will need to
projects and point sheets can be found in
Brown County 4-H Council; Brown County 4-H Fair make their own arrangements to market
the 4-H newsletter.
Board; Brown County 4-H Livestock Auction Committee; their animals this year. A webinar called
Judging of projects will be done online
Britt Copeland, 4-H Youth Development Extension edu- “How to Market Your Animals Locally” was
between July 20 and 24. Judges will review
cator, Brown County to be posted at https://extension.purdue.
project submissions and fill out score
sheets, then upload results into FairEntry. edu/4h/Pages/4HHomeActivities.aspx.
Brown County Fair Reflections - 5
On the boards
Brown County 4-H Council
Harry Poling, president
Rita MacPherson, vice president
Kim Stout, treasurer
Wendy Earnshaw, secretary
Mandy Chittum, Jackson Township
Britt Copeland, 4-H Youth Develop-
ment Extension educator
Elizabeth DeBord, Van Buren
Township
Emily Earnshaw, 4-H Junior
Leaders
Will Faught, at large
Megan Kakavecos, Hamblen
Township
Brown County Democrat file photo
Rachelle Smith, at large
Alma Wilkerson serves a walking taco to Kaitlyn Kritzer at the Brown County 4-H Gang food booth at the 2013 fair.
Mark Stargell, fair board
Behind the scenes
Steve Stout, at large
Kristina Terrill, Washington
Township
Alma Wilkerson, at large
Who’s in charge of the fair and other programs Maya Wilkerson, 4-H Junior
Leaders
Several groups are involved in organizing the county programs like 4-H camp, 4-H Spark Clubs like the Brown County 4-H Fair Board
fair and the 4-H program. Great Brown County Bake-Off, and 4-H scholarships;
providing guidance for all 4-H projects at the fair; as- Mark Stargell, president
All the leadership boards operate under the guidance
sisting in new member recruitment; and abiding by all Tom Carter, first vice president
of Purdue Extension.
state and national guidelines for the 4-H program. Tom Allen, second vice president
The Brown County Extension Board is the advi-
sory board to all programing in Brown County which The 4-H Fair Board‘s primary purpose is to promote Kim Stout, treasurer
includes agriculture and natural resources, health the 4-H program and bring together all persons in Wendy Earnshaw, secretary
and human sciences, and 4-H Youth Development. Brown County interested in the products of the farm,
home and agriculture industry by hosting the Brown Andrew Blair
The 4-H Youth Development Extension educator is County 4-H Fair. Their mission is accomplished through Joey Bond
the 4-H program manager. The educator delivers the maintenance of the Brown County 4-H Fairgrounds Chip Clark
positive 4-H youth development programing, ap- and the running of the Brown County 4-H Fair commer- Rob Chittum
proves or denies all volunteers, maintains a yearly cial aspects, such as the grandstand events, carnival,
audit of all 4-H entities, serves as an adviser on both commercial area, etc., to support the 4-H program. Britt Copeland, 4-H Youth Develop-
the 4-H Council and 4-H Fair Board, conducts com- ment Extension educator
Both groups require members to be Purdue Univer-
munity needs assessments with volunteers’ help, and Maggie Evans
provides overall organizational leadership. sity volunteers and undergo a screening process,
minors training and a background check in order to Jim Kakavecos
The community leadership boards in Brown County, work directly with youth in our community. Bill Kelp
made up of approved volunteers under the 4-H Youth Brian Poling
Development umbrella, are the 4-H Council and 4-H The 4-H Council meets on the first Monday of the
Fair Board. month at 7 p.m. and the 4-H Fair Board meets on the Matti Satter, youth member
second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Meetings are Jamie Sichting
The Brown County 4-H Council‘s primary purpose virtual and irregular during this pandemic. Anyone
is to provide informal 4-H educational programing having business with either board should contact Ben Sisson
through the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service. the Extension office for meeting details ahead of the David Sisson
It is also the policy-making board for Brown County normally scheduled meeting. Don Smith
4-H. The council works towards its purpose year-
round by approving or amending the Brown County — Britt Copeland, 4-H Youth Development Extension educator
Kyle Wagers
4-H handbook; providing financial assistance for for Brown County Al Weber
6 - Brown County Fair Reflections
VOLUNTEER PROFILES
Mandy Chittum grade year. I loved everything about 4-H, the Why is the fair important for the
projects, the animals, the fair, the food, and community?
How long have you been involved with 4-H all the friends and families that were a part of The fair is that one event that brings to-
or in a leadership role with the fair? 4-H, and I still do. gether the whole community. Everyone looks
I have been involved with 4-H pretty much my forward to it, “the annual homecoming of
whole life, as a 4-H kid, a parent and now as What keeps you volunteering year after
Brown County” and the week-long event that
a volunteer. My whole family has always been year?
showcases the 4-H kids and their projects.
involved in 4-H over the years: my grandpa I volunteer because I truly enjoy it and I can’t I know this year with the pandemic, it has
and grandma, aunts, uncles and cousins. My think of a better cause to volunteer my time to been a huge disappointment to everyone,
mom and dad still volunteer. My dad is the than the kids in our community, our 4-H pro- including me, that there will be no in-person
“tater man”; he fries potatoes every year at gram and the fair. 4-H is such a great program fair. But the 4-H program still goes on, and
our club booth. for the kids and I love how it brings the com- there is a virtual fair this year for the 4-H
What role do you play now in the 4-H and/ munity together at the fair. The 4-H program is kids to showcase their projects through
or fair program? one program that is for the kids, not school- or videos and pictures. I know it’s not the same,
sports-related, where the kids get to really and it can’t take the place of the real deal,
I’m currently the leader of Love Bugs 4-H Club
and a member of 4-H Council. shine and show off their talents and creativity but I hope that everyone in the community
in a multitude of areas like animals, arts and will take time to congratulate our 4-H kids
Were you in 4-H as a child or as a leader? crafts, electricity, photography, cooking, cake and admire their projects, as they have
What did you like about it? decorating, sewing, shooting sports, bee- worked hard and would appreciate every-
I started in 4-H as a young girl, in the Love keeping and so much more. Because of my one’s support and accolades now more than
Bugs 4-H Club, and then my boys were in love for 4-H and the fair, now as a grandparent, ever.
4-H when they were younger and then my I want to continue to stay involved in hopes my
youngest daughter joined 4-H her eighth grandkids join 4-H and love it just as much.
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VOLUNTEER PROFILES
Mark Stargell Were you in 4-H as a child or as a leader? Why is the fair important for the
What did you like about it? community?
How long have you been involved with 4-H
Learning responsibilities, taking care of ani- It is where most people gather once a year
or in a leadership role with the fair?
mals and learning to manage money in the to visit and come together because they only
I have been involved with 4-H and FFA almost process of raising animals and selling them. see each other at the fair. It is a great place for
all my life. 4-H was fun and I made a lot of friends through the public to come and see the hard work the
What role do you play now in the 4-H and/ the years. kids have put into their animals and projects. It
or fair program? gives different groups a chance to raise money
What keeps you volunteering year after
Fair board president, 4-H Council and Purdue for their organizations.
year?
Extension Board. Keeping the fair going for the kids and the
fellowship.
Maggie Evans Wendy Earnshaw
How long have you been involved with 4-H or How long have you been involved with 4-H or in a
in a leadership role with the fair? leadership role with the fair?
I was a six-year 4-H member, and have served in I have served on 4-H Council since 2011. I was Open
leadership roles for an additional six years. Class superintendent for two years, 2015 and 2016. I have
been on the 4-H Fair Board for two years.
What role do you play now in the 4-H and/or
fair program? What role do you play now in the 4-H and/or fair
I am the director of the Queen and Princess program?
Pageant, Junior and Littles Pageant, help with I am still on 4-H Council and Fair Board.
the Baby Contest, and serve as a member of the
Were you in 4-H as a child or as a leader? What did
fair board.
you like about it?
Were you in 4-H as a child or as a leader? No, I was not in 4-H as a youth, but I value the 4-H motto
What did you like about it? and have worked hard to instill those aspects in my girls
Yes! I was in 4-H for six years, participating in the as a parent of 4-H’ers. The commitment kids must make
dog club and photography. Photography became with either raising animals or building/creating a project
a passion thanks to 4-H and I still enjoy taking teaches so many life skills.
photos to this day. I loved being able to show my
What keeps you volunteering year after year?
creative side with the projects every year.
The reason I volunteer is to serve in my community and
What keeps you volunteering year after year? participate where my kids are involved. We have a family
Being born and raised in Brown County, the fair motto, “A family that works together, plays together,” so
has always been special to me. Helping my aunt teaching my kids to be involved and give back they can
with the queen contest and attending every night then enjoy some of the rewards. For example, when they
became tradition, so being able to now serve as work in a food booth for night, then another night, they get
pageant director and on the board lets me keep to be at the carnival with a friend.
those traditions going. It is something I have al-
Why is the fair important for the community?
ways wanted to be a part of and help to improve.
The fair is a “homecoming.” It is also where the locals, kids
Why is the fair important for the community? and adults can share their talents, where various groups
The Brown County fair is important for the com- in the community get to inform many of their mission.
munity because it is the place to go to connect Brown County is unique because we are small, but that
with old friends, celebrate accomplishments and aspect makes if feel like a family reunion.
hard work of our youth and community mem- It was a very difficult decision to have to cancel the fair,
bers, and to have fun. Although the fair will look but due to the current circumstances and so many regula-
much different this year, these values still remain. tions, it would have been very difficult. I am sad that this
When we are able to provide a traditional fair iconic part of our county annual events will not be hap-
experience in the future, I hope the community pening this year.
will come out and take part just like old times.
Brown County Fair Reflections - 9
PURDUE EXTENSION-BROWN COUNTY,
BROWN COUNTY 4H FAIR BOARD,
AND BROWN COUNTY 4H COUNCIL
WOULD LIKE TO SAY
Thank you AND
Congratulations To The 4Hers!
TUNE IN FOR THE
VIRTUAL SHOWCASE
JULY 27TH - JULY 31ST!
FOR MORE
INFORMATION, OR
HELP ENTERING THE
CONTEST
PLEASE CALL THE
PURDUE EXTENSION
BROWN COUNTY AT
812-988-5495!
20
20
BC-35046306
10 - Brown County Fair Reflections
Final-year 4-H’ers
Maya Wilkerson Whitney Clark Zoey Johnson Kara Adams
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This summer, they won’t get to compete for Master Showman or take one last turn around the arena. For
these 4-H’ers in their final year of eligibility, the close of this chapter of their lives has come early. However,
they still have plenty of great memories to take away from their years in the program.
Maya Wilkerson Whitney Clark Zoey Johnson Kara Adams Jacob Wooton
10-year 4-H member 10-year 4-H member 10-year 4-H member 10-year 4-H member 10-year 4-H member
“The most important “The most important “Never hope for it more “4-H has always had Meg Smith
thing 4-H has taught me thing 4-H has taught me than you work for it. 4-H a special place in my eight-year 4-H member
was working well with is hard work, because has taught me about heart, as it’s the place
others, leadership and every day I have to pro- hard work and sticking to to meet new people and Jacob Rodgers
responsibility.” vide for these animals. my goals.” give back to my commu- eight-year 4-H member
Favorite 4-H proj- You can’t take sick days Favorite 4-H project: nity. I love working at the
Taylor Poling
ects: Swine and Junior or vacation. 4-H has Sheep fair booth with my club.”
five-year 4-H member
Leaders prepared me for life be- Future plans: Pursuing Favorite 4-H project: A
Future plans: To earn a yond high school and I’m an online bachelor’s painting I created that Kaylee Gollubske
degree in early child- forever thankful for that.” degree while joining the competed in the state one-year 4-H member
hood education Favorite 4-H projects: workforce fair. It really reminds me
Goats and swine of summers in Indiana.
Future plans: Pursuing Future plans: Attending
a nursing degree Purdue University in the
fall to study biochemistry.
I plan on having a career
in medical research.
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14 - Brown County Fair Reflections
Brown Count y fair:
A 75-year tradition Story by Staff ReportsBrown County Fair Reflections - 15
KNIGHT’S
TRASH REMOVAL
& ROLL-OFF SERVICE
Please visit one of our
$2 A Bag
Drop-Off sites located at:
Brown County Democrat file photos
A pie-eating contest was part of the 1974 fair. Left: During the 1947 Brown County
Free Fair, the Lions Club reserved all the food and drink concessions. The 20x40 tent
Bobby G’s Tack
was set up in the north lot of the Methodist church. George Tucker was in charge of this
project. A net profit of $700 was realized. Left to right: Mrs. Dale Mathis, George Tucker
& Saddlery
and William Schnepf (back to camera). 3872 South State Rd 135
Larry’s Pro
Editor’s note: Ten years ago this week, the Brown
County Democrat published “a brief history of the
Morgantown
Brown County Fair. Most of it was written by former
Brown County Purdue Extension Educator Barbara Brown County
Bowman in 2002 on the 100-year anniversary of 4-H.
We’re reprinting it here with some updates to reflect Solid Waste
e
the past 10 years.
176 Old State Road 46
E.K. Congram, Brown County Extension agent from Visit Knight’s Corner,
1944-63, is credited as the pioneer of the first “Brown
County Free Fair,” in 1946. Belmont for BIGGER items
“Tents were located throughout the streets of Nash-
ville,” according to Virginia Updike, former home
& loose items!
economics teacher for Helmsburg High School and
Brown County High School, and 4-H sewing volunteer.
“The carnival was brought in, streets were closed off, All Drop-Offs during normal
and projects were exhibited under tents.”
Photos from that first fair, Oct. 2-4, show a commer- business hours!
cial display tent, queen contest, square dancing and
music by the Van Buren String Busters. The Lions
Club reserved all the food and drink concessions in a Weekly curbside
20x40 tent in the north lot of the Methodist church.
pickup available, please call
for information at 988-8000.
BC-3504630316 - Brown County Fair Reflections
Some of the early 4-H projects were
baking, canning, freezing, clothing,
forestry, bees, pigs, chickens, electricity,
remodeling, refurbishing antiques, wildlife
and cows.
The home economics clubs (now called
Extension Homemaker clubs) had project
lesson displays. Other fair activities
were demonstrations by local artisans in
weaving, pottery, woodcraft, handmade
furniture and needlework.
When the free fair ended, there were no
carnival rides at the county fair. Exhibits
were displayed in the hallways of the high
school, and the fashion show was con-
ducted in the gym.
‘Old Fashioned Fair’
In 1972, the 4-H association was orga-
nized as an 11-member advisory board
which leased land from the county where
the present fairgrounds are.
As it was a temporary site, the county
fair was conducted in tents behind the
Fleetwood Brothers Garage on Green
Valley Road, and exhibits were displayed
July 20-22 at the Fleetwood garage.
The Town of Nashville celebrated its
centennial that year.
There were 365 children involved in 4-H.
The fair included a queen contest; Pa-
rade of 4-H Champions; Share the Fun 4-H
Talent Contest; a melodrama; flower show;
dog handling; garden tractor pull; Doc
Johnson’s medicine show; and a variety of
contests including frog jumping, horseshoe
pitching, bubblegum blowing, egg toss, pie
and watermelon eating, and even a liars
contest.
The 4-H Junior Leaders sponsored a
tug-of-war.
“There was a need for a carnival atmo-
sphere, the zest of cotton candy and the
noise of the merry-go-round to go along
with exhibits,” according to Ed Lucas, who
was president of the advisory board in its
early years and president of the fair board
in later years. “Putting tables in the halls
Brown County Democrat file photos
of the high school just doesn’t stimulate
1947: Queen Patricia Roberts is crowned during growth in the youth groups.”
the Oct. 2-4 Brown County Free Fair. From left:
When the county fair moved to the
Carol Wilkerson, Roberts, June Garlock, Mrs. Rus-
sel Mathis and Judge Grant Rogers. Right: 1972: fairgrounds, in 1973, the fair activities and
Candidates for Brown County fair queen: (front row) programs continued to grow.
Andrea Polley and Becky Bond; (middle) Dawn Mc- Tents were erected for exhibits, proj-
Cormick, Stephanie Porter, Debby Ford; (back) ects and entertainment, and a show ring
Vicki Sanders and Pam Joslin. Above: Famous was built for cattle, dogs and horses. 4-H
Brown County photographer Frank Hohenberger projects consisted of arts and crafts,
captured this scene of the Brown County street fair clothing, foods, food preservation, flowers,
in September 1954. gardening, geology, home furnishings,
personality, photography, soil and waterBrown County Fair Reflections - 17
conservation, weather, weeds, wildlife,
woodworking, dogs, rabbits, poultry, dairy,
beef, sheep, swine, horses, public speaking,
the dress revue and a calf scramble.
The first Old Fashioned Fair was almost
washed out by rain. Water took out a
bridge and flooded three exhibit tents.
Fair grows
In 1973, three permanent structures were
built on the fairgrounds.
Denzil Ford oversaw the construction of
an outside privy.
The Sugar Shack was built, and was run
for the first couple of years by Dorothy
Lutes and her 4-H club. The Blue Bells and
Blue Jeans 4-H Club operated the building
in later years, selling lemon shake-ups,
corn dogs and elephant ears.
The Cattlemen’s Association, Bill Lutes
and many volunteers assisted in the
building of the grandstand arena.
According to Updike, “The fairgrounds
were a dream come true for so many Brown County Democrat file photo
people.” 1973: The caption on the back of this photo, from the Brown County Democrat archives, reads: “The calf scramble
Dorothea Cline, county 4-H leader, wrote at the Brown County Old Fashioned 4-H Fair July 21 ended with participants swimming in a sea of mud. Contestant
a news article that declared, “The fair will Bruce Lawalin appears to be lying down on the job, but he’s really sliding down on the job.”
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be the first major event since the days
of Elmer Congram, who almost single-
handedly planned, worked and cajoled
countless other good citizens into assisting
him with the county fair.”
In 1974, Lucas, who was president of
the 4-H Association, brought the carnival
midway back to the county fair.
In 1975, the first livestock shelter (the
4-H Livestock Barn) was completed at a
rapid pace, led by volunteers Lutes, Ford
and Lucas. It was reported that many
nights, volunteers worked by the head-
Do you run a lights of cars to get it finished.
In 1975, the county fair began its seven-
local business? day schedule.
In 1977, 309 children were enrolled in 4-H.
So do we. Additional projects were added: aquatic
science, plant science, dairy goats and
Your Auto-Owners sports.
policy comes with a local In 1977, the corn roast booth was built.
It was run by Betty Whitehorn and the
agent –someone who Lick Creek Love Bugs. In later years, they
understands you and the added hamburgers, ribeye sandwiches and
protection you need. fried potatoes to the menu.
brown county Democrat file photO
In 1978, the Exhibit Building was built as
2017: Paul Klepper, Carter Kelly and Eli Sichting ride the big slide during the second bracelet night of the week on the midway a result of a $10,000 donation by the Brown
at the Brown County 4-H Fair.
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County American Legion Post No. 164 and and 46 Clover Bud members (age 3 through herbs, pets, cake decorating, computers,
a mortgage. That year, Brown County Farm kindergartners). consumer clothing, microwave cooking,
Bureau also built a pole barn to house their rocketry, genealogy, recycling, scrap-
meetings and for fair exhibits to be dis- Past few decades booking and shooting sports.
played. This is where the Extension office Ten years after the first Old Fashioned In 2013, the Brown County Council agreed
has been housed since February 1988. Fair, the fair included a midway, five per- to take out a $500,000 bond for construc-
In 1979, the 4-H Fair Board began manent buildings and a week full of events, tion of new buildings and renovations of
roasting corn in the fall on the lawn of the and attendance was estimated at more than older ones at the fairgrounds. The work,
courthouse to raise money to pay off their 20,000 people. much of it done before the 2014 fair, in-
mortgage. In 1992, there were 206 4-H members, 42 cluded replacing the Sugar Shack and the
In 1980, the first livestock auction was Mini members and 46 Clover Bud members. food building where the political parties
conducted. Also that year, the food booth Other buildings have been added as the and the Rotary Club served food, building
was built and was operated in later years needs of the fair and the 4-H program a new Exhibit Building, and replacing the
by the Nashville PTO, Lions Club and have changed: a show arena and adjoining rented commercial tents with a permanent
Band Boosters. The grandstand arena was animal barn; a block building that includes pavilion.
enlarged to better accommodate the tractor a fair office, restrooms, shower and storage In 2019, the county kicked in another
and truck pull. facilities; a picnic shelter; the pavilion $125,000 to replace the grandstand
In 1982, 310 children were involved in 4-H. (completed in 2001) and a poultry shelter bleachers.
In 1984, the grandstand bleachers were (completed in 2002). Children enrolled in 4-H for the 2018-19
built, and the food booth was enclosed by In 2001, there were 232 4-H members, 40 season numbered 225.
the Seabees. mini members and 52 Clover Bud members. In addition to the summer program, local
In 1985, the first demolition derby was Youth 4-H members can participate in 4-H’ers also can participate in camps, state-
featured. Also, the fair board celebrated more than 50 different projects and Mini level conferences and workshops, national
paying off its mortgage. members can participate in close to 20 dif- and international trips, and off-season
In 1987, there were 184 4-H members, 64 ferent projects. Some of the more recent programming like Spark Clubs that cater to
Mini members (first- and second-graders) additions include collections, gift wrapping, specific interests, like food science.
BC-3504629920 - Brown County Fair Reflections
LETTER FROM THE QUEEN
Push on and ‘make
the best better’
To the Brown County community: and business restricting seating are I hope that everyone will find some- Brown County, have the ability and
This time of year is traditionally full just some of the new “normal” people thing that will inspire them to learn, willpower to keep moving forward into
of preparations for family vacations, are adjusting to in the world. interact (safely) with others, and, a positive and new outlook. As of the
graduation ceremonies, and Brown As several of us were looking most importantly, find the value in Class of 2020, 10-year 4-H members,
County 4-H’ers buckling down on forward to the variety of the spring those precious moments. retirees, last year FFA members, and
their projects before the much antici- and summer festivities in the county, An excellent way for many of us to many more will not be able to proceed
pated fair. Still, this year, the normal we all felt a considerable heartbreak support the town of Nashville currently in a traditional send-off.
activities of summer for many look when the word “CANCELED” was is to support the local businesses that I encourage these many people
incredibly different. The year 2020 is branded across the desired event. Still, have staked their claim in our commu- always to look forward and be posi-
one that many will never forget as we even in this time of uncertainty, many nity, or encourage and thank our brave tive in your actions. As the people of
have seen social boundaries change find themselves reaching new heights men and women that work in our law Brown County, I encourage you all
and hygienic measures differ in just of achievements and discovering ways enforcement, fire departments and to do the same and wish everyone
the past six months. to spread joy among themselves and EMS services. Many camps, festivals, the best and healthiest of lives as we
As this occurs, many are finding a others during it all. and gatherings have moved to a virtual push our Brown County into a more
new way of “normal” life and discov- Although the world is not very bright format, and it is a great way to involve refined version of itself. Just as the
ering how difficult it truly is to keep right now, the county, local communi- yourself in community happenings 4-H motto goes, “To make the best
ourselves wholly isolated and 6 feet ties and every person in every house safely. better.”
apart from ones that we love dearly. will find this time of being at home to Even when the road ahead looks
Healthcare services limiting visitations become a better version of themselves. rough, our citizens, in the past, of Shelby Blake, Miss Brown County 2019
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BC-35046315Brown County Fair Reflections - 21
brown county Democrat FILE PHOTO
Some of the winners in the 2019 Brown County Fair bicycle drag race contest, with Brown County
Fair Queen Shelby Blake and Second Runner-up Lacey Sichting.
BROWN COUNTY
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BC-3504630022 - Brown County Fair Reflections
Indiana State Fair
State fair alters plans as well
T
Staff Reports vendors and partners of the fair, began falling showcase will work or vary from county to
off, and so we pivoted and found a way to still county.
The 2020 Indiana State Fair will not be taking serve our communities,” he said in a press The same is true for the 2020 Indiana State
place in its traditional sense this year. release. Fair Queen Pageant. As of right now, fair
It’s the first time the in-person event has The changes that Chambers is referring executives have said that Claudia Duncan, the
been canceled since World War II. to are largely a shift of traditional in-person reigning 2019 queen from Vanderburgh County,
Cancellation was due to the COVID-19 events to online events. The fair is currently will remain queen through the 2021 state fair,
pandemic and a concern for public health and weighing different options to form an altered scheduled for Aug. 6 to 22.
safety, according to the state fair’s website, version of the state fair 4-H livestock com- Additionally, there will be no 2021 Indiana
Additionally, it seemed increasingly impossible petitions online, including ways that county State Fair Queen Pageant, which is typically
for the event to fully take place, according to winners can still compete and display their held in January. As a result, all county queen
fair commission chairman Brad Chambers. work. winners from both 2020 and 2021 will be eligible
“Unfortunately, key elements, including However, it is still unclear exactly how this to participate in the 2022 state fair pageant.BC-35046715 Brown County Fair Reflections - 23
2020
President State Representative
Joe Biden Brown County’s own
Paula Staley
Governor
Dr. Woodrow (Woody) Myers County Commissioner
Tracey Burnett
Lt. Governor Ron Fleetwood
Brown County’s own
Linda Lawson County Council At Large
Melissa Bush-Parker
U.S. Representative KevinFleming
Andy Ruff Ken Birkemeier
State Senate Surveyor
Cinde Wirth Dave Harden
BC-35046318You can also read
