Chief Photographer
mullery@dailycall.com
The 2012
edition of the Miami County Fair is in the books.
As we watched participants tear down,
pack and clean their respective spaces on Thursday there was the
familiar bittersweet feeling. On one hand, it was a relief that it
was ending, for fair week is for many of us, the longest week of the
year. On the other, there was a feeling of sadness. It is like
parting with a friend, knowing that an entire year may pass before
you see them again.
I doubt that anyone will disagree that
this year’s Miami County Fair could be one of the best ever based
on our weather. Moderate temperatures during day and cool nights made
this year’s fair comfortable for everyone from visitors to project
and show animals.
The weather certainly had a significant
impact on attendance.
Perhaps the most talked-about event at
this year’s fair was the Pig & Calf Scramble.
The event is a much anticipated one at
other fairs and it was eagerly awaited here. About 1600 people packed
the grandstand to watch the event.
In these days of Nintendo, Wii and
computer games, it was refreshing to watch kids of all ages, (and any
of you who watched the adult division of the calf scramble, know what
I mean by “kids” of all ages,) take part in a fun physical
activity.
Much fun was had by all. The animals
were probably happy when the chasing stopped. Some of the human
participants wore bruises and abrasions as trophies following the
event but everyone came away safe and happy.
It is also great to see our local 4-H
Clubs going so strong. As a former 4-H member, (the Staunton Hustlers
with advisors Bill and Mary Ann Cusac,) it means a lot to me when I
see our youngsters involved in a 4-H project of any sort. The
resulting lessons in responsibility and accountability for their
projects, as well as the interaction with fellow 4-H Club members and
adults as they present their projects for judging are among the best
life lessons they can get.
A 4-H project also promotes family time
and family values. Very few projects are solely that of the member. I
can remember my dad keeping a watchful eye on my projects and I see
the same thing today. A 4-H project for one becomes a family interest
for all.
As I traveled the fairgrounds this past
week with my good friend Laura Sutherly, webmaster for the Miami
County Fair board and a very fine photographer, as well, I was
impressed by not only the crowds and the fair patrons enjoying
themselves, but also by how smoothly things ran.
Many of us take it for granted when we
attend the fair but every portion of the fair requires planning and
hard work to make it go. We are blessed in Miami County to have fair
board members who give up much of their free time to see that the
fair is safe and enjoyable for all.
They are supported by Junior Fair Board
members, most of them area high school students, who rather than
spend hours out of school going to parties, plan and work to make the
Miami County Fair a success.
I would like to thank all of the fair
board and junior fair board members and the many other volunteers for
their efforts in making the Miami County Fair … the GREAT Miami
County Fair.
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