30th FARM FAIR
by Ann Ice, Education Coordinator
Gibson County SWCD held their 30th annual Fourth Grade Farm Fair at the Gibson County Fairgrounds Pavilion. Students visited 23 sessions on various topics given by tri-state volunteers. All Gibson County fourth grade students are invited to attend. Over 400 students, teachers and school assistants attended the Farm Fair. This event was coordinated by Ann Ice.
Farm fair sponsors were Farm Bureau Inc., Princeton & Gibson County and Farm Credit Services of Mid-America.
Presenters’ door prizes were donated by Taco Tierra, F&M Hardware, Dick Clark’s Family Restaurant, First Place Trophies, Make Your Mark, and Gibson County SWCD.
New presenters for 2016 were: Mary Stiker and Casi Studer, Indianapolis Homeland Security, radiation; Mayorga Dimi Elah and Hannah Somme , Evansville Red Cross, emergency awareness; Magen Brothers, Purdue Extension, nutrition; and Aveona Goodwin, assisting with goats.
Volunteers gave lessons on many topics, Hans Schmitz, Purdue Extension, soils; Darlene Cromer, laundry and housekeeping in the past; Kanda Walden, recycling; Megan Hoffherr, dairy products; Bill Tuley, Gibson County Health Department, assistant to radiation presentation; Stan Madison, Gary Schmidt, and Krista Hadley, Lyles Station School; Chuck Froehle, conserving currents; Julie Loehr, Watershed Coordinator, water quality; Tim Jones, Consolidated Grain and Barge, farm safety; and Dave Kunkel with his antique John Deere tractor. June Neyhouse, backyard conservation, and CJ Sauer, blacksmithing, were returning presenters.
Returning livestock presenters were: Matt and Emma Robling, pygmy goats; Diane Hadley, horses; John Feutz, DVM, bovine provided by Henry Rexing and Fravel Farms; Justin and Kiersten Rexing, sheep; Chris and Jennifer MacKay, chickens; and Colt Hadley, miniature donkey. Mike, Ethan, and Luke Ice provided horse-drawn wagon rides.
Additional helpers were: SWCD supervisor Kenny Page, Tabitha Anthis, Dennis Hadley, Henry Rexing, photographer Stacy Ice, and Leafy White. Gibson County Master Gardeners assisting were: Doris Glover, June Neyhouse, Joe Padget, Karen Knapp, and Chris MacKay.
It takes many willing people for this event to be a success, each taking time from work and busy schedules. Thank you to the Princeton FFA and fair staff for help with the facilities.
Call Ann Ice if you are interested in participating or helping at 812-385-5033, x110.