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Besides the usual big events, there are hidden gems at fair
Suffice it to say, the 2014 Putnam County Fair is now in full swing.
It's easy to tell not only because of the traffic but because the Legionburger stand is busy, and has been since after the parade Friday night. And special shows continue almost hourly.
After all, the public can peek at animals in their barns and shower stalls, while the carnival rides are up and running for another year.
Monday's big event is always the 4-H Swine Show (which started at 8 a.m.) with the winners to be revealed during the Grand Drive that gets under way at 7 p.m. in the Indoor Arena.
The 4-H Beef Show takes center stage on Tuesday (also starting at 8 a.m. in the Indoor Arena) with the Beef Grand Drive again producing the winners in an event that begins at 7 p.m. in the Indoor Arena.
Wednesday, meanwhile, is not only Family Fun Day at the Community Building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a break for lunch, but will also feature the 4-H Rabbit and 4-H Sheep shows, as well at the 7 p.m. finals of the Putnam County Star competition on the free stage just outside Harris Hall.
Another popular Wednesday event is the Kiddie Day (with discount prices on rides) at the carnival, while an interesting evening event is always the costume goat parade that begins at 6 p.m.
Those are the main events scheduled over the next couple of days, but there are a number of hidden treasures around the fairgrounds as well.
If you're tempted by tasting-looking treats, follow your nose and the smell of buttercream to the middle of the main aisle of 4-H Exhibit Hall projects, where you will find some exquisitely decorated cakes.
Grand Champion Allacyn Arnold's entry is a thing to behold, with several layers and even a stack of "books," creatively labeled "Pride and Buttercream" and "Gone With the Cake."
Right beside Arnold's display is a bridal gown cake -- so apparently you can have your cake and wear it too -- entered with great ribbon-winning success by Emily Sutherlin.
Meanwhile, over in the vegetable aisle of the Community Building, a plate entered by Caidon Cash is described as containing kohlrabi brassica olercea gongylodes. Not exactly sure, but that translation may just be "cool beans" (we know, we know, it's really some kind of German turnip).
Arranged on the plate, however, they look for all the world (especially if they were yellow instead of pale green) like some variation of the Minions of "Despicable Me" fame.
If color is what attracts you, look no further than the Grand Champion Floriculture entry of Mariah Huge, which bedazzles with vibrant hues on display just to the left of the main Exhibit Hall entrance (once inside the plastic curtain panels that keep the cool air inside).
It's easy to spot with flowers of orange, yellow, purple and red, and more ribbons than Pippi Longstocking's hair.
Walk outside the Exhibit Hall and you'll be serenaded non-stop by "We got Willy, we got (insert name here) ..." as contestants try to stay on the mechanical bull (Wild Willy) across the road from the Legionburger stand.
Yep, there's certainly something for everybody at the annual Putnam County Fair.
The Putnam County Fair continues with events daily and nightly through Friday, concluding with the Pretty Baby Contest, starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday.