LAST-MINUTE ADDITION: There’s more than corn (or soybeans) at the Indiana State Fair

Now in the thick of his year as Indiana FFA president, Putnam County’s own Seth Ariens hands out putters at the putt-putt course inside the FFA building at the Indiana State Fair.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

While I can truly say that getting a glimpse of cutting-edge agriculture from a Roachdale-based family was the highlight of my day at the Indiana State Fair, it wasn’t the only enjoyable part of my day in Indianapolis.

I was, first and foremost, looking for anything Putnam County-related that I could find.

And while I didn’t come back with any other fully-developed stories, I did see some other familiar faces.

Elsewhere, the State Fair also features a history of the Indiana automotive industry, such as this beautiful 1930 Duesenberg Model J.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

There was recent North Putnam graduate and state FFA President Seth Ariens working the putt-putt booth at the FFA building but taking a couple of minutes to talk to this newspaperman.

While the position is quite an honor for Ariens and his seven fellow state officers, it is by no means a free ride, as he was slated to work for all 18 days of the fair.

All days, that is, except for the couple the 10-year 4-H’er has off to show his animals across the grounds. And that’s hardly a break.

The antique tractor display includes something unholy — a Farmall H tractor painted in the color of rival John Deere.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

I also caught sight of local 4-H’er Hunter Haddon, whom I don’t know to talk to, but recognize from the Putnam County show ring. I’d also recognize the kid’s signature curly mullet anywhere.

I also heard, “Hi, Jared,” as I walked along, and looked over to see local goat superintendent Dan Woodall, perhaps on the scene for a pygmy goat show that afternoon.

I did not manage to run into State Fair Board President Terry Clifford, but have no doubt he was also there, helping to assure an enjoyable experience for visitors throughout.

Some of my other favorite moments, though, had little to do with our fair county at all.

There was, of course, the food. Throughout the day, I treated myself to a corn dog, a porkburger, some hard candy from the vintage Hook’s drugstore on the grounds (Yes, I’m old enough to remember when Hook’s was still a thing) and, most importantly, a pineapple Dole Whip, which tasted more like a cup of childhood memories to me.

I also wandered into the World of Speed at the Harvest Pavilion. While there, I got an up-close look at the Adam West-era Batmobile and also a display of 10 or so automobiles representing automotive industry history in Indiana.

And while the Studebakers and the Marmon and the International Scout were all fine and dandy, they all pale in comparison to the aqua green 1930 Duesenberg Model J — the most beautiful car I’ve ever seen.

It’s not the first time I’ve seen the car in person, as my parents and I toured the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum when I was 16 or so. As we walked around a corner, I laid eyes on the beautiful car and it took my breath away.

“That’s a ‘Great Gatsby’ car,” I said to my parents.

Across the fairgrounds, though, was another shade of green that likely offended many who passed.

There sat a McCormick Farmall H, but in the green and gold paint scheme of certain rival implement maker.

Now, I pride myself in my dark sense of humor, but an International in John Deere green? That’s a bridge too far.