County fairs across Indiana are a chance for visitors to experience farm animals, food and fun — but this year more than a quarter of county fairs did not include midway rides and games.
Without the carnival atmosphere, the focus falls on kids and their 4-H projects.
"We like to keep the focus on the 4-H program, and family and youth; and not drag in all the other things that come along with a carnival," said Danielle Robinson, president of the 4-H Council in Hamilton County, which had a fair without rides this year.
Some counties do not have rides at fairs because of a lack of funding, while fair officials in other counties simply don't want the rides. This year, 27 percent of counties held 4-H exhibitions without midway rides, The Indianapolis Star reported Monday.
"I have had people tell me years ago there was a carnival," said Kathy Murray, Fountain County youth educator. "But the residents and volunteers of Fountain County prefer that we keep it the way it has been for many years. They want to center their attention on the youth of Fountain County."
But some like the colorful games and rides of the midway. Indiana State Fair leaders say they can't imagine the fair without rides.
"As with a lot of county fairs, our primary mission is to educate the public about agriculture," said fair spokesman Andy Klotz. "We just happen to do it in a very entertaining, fun way ... and the midway is a big part of that."
Carnival areas can bring in a lot of money, as well, said Nadeen Biddinger, treasurer of the Marion County Fair.
"One of the things the 4-H'ers do when they win money for their prizes, they go right over and spend it on the rides," Biddinger said.
Susan Woodhouse, 39, Carmel, attended Hamilton County's fair for the first time this year. Although she was surprised that there were no rides, she wasn't upset.
"I assume that that's going to be here, just because it's a fair," Woodhouse said. "I wouldn't let my kids ride on them anyway."
Her daughters, Hannah and Katie, didn't seem to mind the lack of rides. Katie, 7, said her favorite part of the fair is seeing animals.
"I like the fair the way it is," she said.
State/Regional News
Some fairs doing away with carnival rides
- State/Regional News
-
-
Floyd judge named semifinalist for Indiana Supreme Court
Granger, 42, said she decided to apply after discussions with her family and close friends.
“I care enormously about my judicial service, and I want to expand my work statewide,” she said. -
Some lawmakers want you to cruise in for Sunday commerce
The current ban on motorcycle sales is a remnant of Indiana’s old “blue laws” that prohibited various activities on Sundays. The legislature has been slowly chipping away at them.
-
Measles cases pop up after Super Bowl
On Wednesday, the Indiana State Department of Health alerted public health officials in Massachusetts and New York that some of their residents may have come in contact with the rare but highly contagious measles virus when visiting the crowded Super Bowl Village in downtown Indianapolis.
-
Ban on Sunday motorcycle sales targeted
While advocates for Sunday carry-out alcohol sales have had a hard time making their case to legislators, opponents of another “blue law” may be on an easier road to success.
- Report: Calls to child ombudsman rose 42 percent
-
House panel leader leery of creationism bill
Supporters in the Senate, which approved the bill last week in a 28-22 vote, say the broader religious reference improves the bill’s chances of being ruled constitutional.
-
Statehouse action resumes after Super Bowl break
Daniels wants legislators to concede to some more of his wish-list items as they head toward their mandatory March 14 deadline for the session’s end.
-
Statehouse action resumes after Super Bowl break
After a timeout to accommodate out-of-town Super Bowl visitors, the Indiana General Assembly is back in session to tackle legislation that had been bottlenecked by a contentious labor bill.
-
Student sues to wear breast cancer bracelet
An Indiana eighth-grader sued his school district in federal court Monday for the right to wear a bracelet promoting breast cancer awareness with the message “I (heart) Boobies.”
-
CAPITOL CROSSROADS: Bauer tactics unite, divide outnumbered Dems
Democrats like Rep. Peggy Welch, who was drawn into a more Republican district last year, refused to boycott with Bauer.
- More State/Regional News Headlines
-
Floyd judge named semifinalist for Indiana Supreme Court
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
