Looking for something that the whole family can enjoy? Well, look no further than the Porter County Fair. You want rides? There are all sorts of fast, twisting, topsy-turvy, stomach-dropping structures for the thrill-seekers. Animals? The 4-H exhibits are top-notch and not to be missed. How about food? They’re deep-frying just about anything edible and selling it on the fairway! Or maybe you’re just looking to be entertained.
There are options aplenty ranging from the games along the midway to different events happening everyday all over the fairgrounds like the Porter County Fair Queen Pageant in the Grandstand, the 4-H competitions, a demolition derby, and SO MUCH MORE! Really, there is a lot more happening at the Porter County Fair.
This statement is backed up by the line of cars waiting to turn into the nearly full parking lots of the Porter County Expo Center and Fair Grounds. Walking in, one cannot help but notice the colorful booths and pungent aromas that are so unique to fairs. Not only are these sights and smells found outside, but they are also found inside as well. Within the Expo Center buildings are booths occupied by various businesses, schools, etc. Wendy Kelly and Michelle Mullins, independent distributors of It Works Global’s The Ultimate Body Applicator, are first-time vendors at the Porter County Fair. “Lots of people try to locate this product, and we knew the fair had a good reputation,” says Wendy.
Jan Rubsam, owner and instructor of Valparaiso’s only ATA (American Tae Kwon Do Association) school, has had a booth at the fair for three years. “It’s a great way to meet people and families, spread the word, and advertise for the school,” Jan says, smiling. Come to their booth to spin their prize wheel for some awesome prizes, or check out their synchronized nun chuk and bow staff demonstration on Thursday July 26 at 4pm in the Park Place Pavilion.
For a sweet treat, visit the Birky Family Farms booth to sample items from their new bakery that just opened up in Kouts, IN seven months ago. “This is a great way to get the word out,” says Katie Lauer, who manages the bakery.
A lot must go into coordinating a fair. Dennis Steinhilber, who was the previous President of the Porter County Fair for eight years explains, “There are management meetings every day. We discuss and plan for things like parking, the Grandstand, and security. Planning goes on all year long. I help the new president out when he needs it.”
To get things into a better perspective, Dennis goes on and gives a brief history lesson. “The The Porter County Fair began on the courthouse lawn in 1853,” he states, “and there weren’t any rides or concerts. It was mostly livestock, and maybe a cooking competition put on by the women of that time.”
Dennis has been attending fairs for over 60 years. His favorite part? “Seeing all of the people that I saw last year!”
This is the first time attending the fair for Shannon Kouns sons, Logan (17 months) and Hayden (4 ½ years). Shannon is a returning patron who loves coming every year. “It’s fun for all ages,” she says, smiling. When asked what her favorite part of the fair is, she replies happily, “The food! Fried Cheese!”
Fried Cheese? Yup. You read right, readers. And that’s not all that’s being deep-fried on the fairway this year. Tom Lounges, radio personality for XRock 103.9, gave this writer the low down. “There’s deep-fried Oreos, Snickers, butter, vegetables, and new this year are deep-fried Reese’s cups.” Sounds…delicious. “They’re actually really good,” Tom says in that smooth voice of his. Tom, along with sisters Ashley and Erica Martin were at the fair covering the Classic Car and Truck Show sponsored by MTI Service Center. Ashley and Erica are interning at Radio One Communications, which is a proud sponsor of the Porter County Fair. What are their favorite parts of the fair? Tom says, “people watching.”
Erica says, “Corndogs!”
And Ashley says, “The Animals!”
And speaking of animals, Alyssa Szafasz is the 17-year-old Reserve Achievement Ambassador for the Porter County 4-H Program. What are her duties as an ambassador? “I represent the program and a positive role model for the younger kids in 4-H.” Alyssa has been a part of 4-H for 10 years. This year her rabbit, Snickers, won second in the senior doe division. Alyssa’s favorite part on the fair? “Working the 4-H dairy project, and the Wisconsin cheese!”
Also representing a good role model is Rod King. He is a part of the fair Board of Directors and in charge of the Antique Machinery Tent. Rod has been attending the fair for over 20 years, and is a big 4-H advocate. “All four of my daughter were in 4-H, and my oldest grandson is in Beginner’s 4-H,” exclaims the proud grandpa. When asked what his favorite part of the fair is, Rod states, “4-H, Wisconsin Cheese, and Birky’s Brats!”
If this isn’t enough to get you into the Porter county Fair, then check out the official website for the events schedule. Or check out their Facebook page to get the latest information and updates on the fair. The Porter County Fair runs from July 19 to July 28, 2012. Hurry in and have fun!