2008 Woodie Awards
A fair to remember
Liz Klimas
Issue date: 9/20/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Calling all country aficionados, animal lovers, music enthusiasts, thrill ride seekers and greasy food eaters. The 157th annual Hillsdale County Fair begins Sept. 23. Its theme,
"Turnip and Lettuce Entertain Ewe," is calling every college student's name.
"It is a good opportunity for students here to see the diversity of the county," said senior Elysia Berry, a resident of Reading, Mich. "It is nice to have something fun to do for a week."
"We really look forward to the college kids coming out," said Shirley VanArsdalen, a Hillsdale native, fair patron since childhood and now fair volunteer. "It's a good opportunity to get out of the dorm, and it's fun for everyone."
Traditional fair food - elephant ears, corn dogs, caramel apples, cider and popcorn - will be present in abundance.
"The food is the number one reason why I think people like to go," VanArsdalen said. "I always hear people say 'I can't wait for fair food.'"
Berry, who knows from 16 years of experience, recommended trying the Fiske French fries.
"I don't know what it is but there is something about those fries," she said.
Look for discounts at participating food vendors on Wednesday, which is Patron Appreciation Day.
On the animal end of things, check out the exotic animal exhibit and show rabbits, pigs, cattle, sheep and horses.
"For me, having grown up here, it is fun to see the people I have grown up with and the projects they have done," said Berry, who participated in 4-H Club showing sheep and horses.
Cinda Walton, historian of the Woman's Congress for Hillsdale County, said this fair is unique because it is actually a fair.
"Our fair is special because they have kept it a fair instead of turning it into a carnival," Walton said. "We still emphasize the agricultural aspect."
Walton is writing a book detailing the history of the fair. She said the fair is owned by the Hillsdale County Agricultural Society, and not supported by tax dollars. She said the proceeds of her book - which she is hoping to complete by late 2008 - will fund fairground maintenance.
Though the fair may not live up to its slogan as 'the most popular on earth' to date, it may have come close to that in the past, according to Walton. She said that, at the time the fair was originated, the rail system brought thousands of city visitors. And though the crowds are thinner now than 150 years ago, the fair holds importance in the county's heart.
"It's the one activity from its conception to the present that the entire county participates in," Walton said. "It was and still is an opportunity to see good friends."
"Turnip and Lettuce Entertain Ewe," is calling every college student's name.
"It is a good opportunity for students here to see the diversity of the county," said senior Elysia Berry, a resident of Reading, Mich. "It is nice to have something fun to do for a week."
"We really look forward to the college kids coming out," said Shirley VanArsdalen, a Hillsdale native, fair patron since childhood and now fair volunteer. "It's a good opportunity to get out of the dorm, and it's fun for everyone."
Traditional fair food - elephant ears, corn dogs, caramel apples, cider and popcorn - will be present in abundance.
"The food is the number one reason why I think people like to go," VanArsdalen said. "I always hear people say 'I can't wait for fair food.'"
Berry, who knows from 16 years of experience, recommended trying the Fiske French fries.
"I don't know what it is but there is something about those fries," she said.
Look for discounts at participating food vendors on Wednesday, which is Patron Appreciation Day.
On the animal end of things, check out the exotic animal exhibit and show rabbits, pigs, cattle, sheep and horses.
"For me, having grown up here, it is fun to see the people I have grown up with and the projects they have done," said Berry, who participated in 4-H Club showing sheep and horses.
Cinda Walton, historian of the Woman's Congress for Hillsdale County, said this fair is unique because it is actually a fair.
"Our fair is special because they have kept it a fair instead of turning it into a carnival," Walton said. "We still emphasize the agricultural aspect."
Walton is writing a book detailing the history of the fair. She said the fair is owned by the Hillsdale County Agricultural Society, and not supported by tax dollars. She said the proceeds of her book - which she is hoping to complete by late 2008 - will fund fairground maintenance.
Though the fair may not live up to its slogan as 'the most popular on earth' to date, it may have come close to that in the past, according to Walton. She said that, at the time the fair was originated, the rail system brought thousands of city visitors. And though the crowds are thinner now than 150 years ago, the fair holds importance in the county's heart.
"It's the one activity from its conception to the present that the entire county participates in," Walton said. "It was and still is an opportunity to see good friends."
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