County fair was indeed worthwhile
Hats off to Chuck McLinden and company for a job well done at this year's Marion County Fair.
I have heard several positive comments from our customers about the parade held Wednesday. Since Wayne Ollenburger and I rode in the parade and pitched papers, we weren't able to see much of it.
The portions we did see were impressive. Central National Bank had a super float celebrating 120 years in business.
Although it was hot, the Hillsboro High School band looked sharp in their new uniforms.
The new 2005 cars displayed by the three car dealers were impressive. Wayne and I laughed and said it was too bad we can't afford to own any of them.
I must admit, living here for 25 years I never attended the rodeo. This year, I had to cover rodeo events Thursday and Friday and I did get excited. I found the events interesting and entertaining.
I wasn't able to take photos of the men's and children's rodeo events because it was dark and the digital camera just doesn't work well in the dark.
So, I spent most of the time at the women's rodeo and enjoyed every minute of it.
I met fair director Chuck McLinden at the rodeo. He instructed me in what to look for and where I should stand in order to get the best picture. He was patient and kind to this novice reporter, especially when it comes to horses, cowboys, cowgirls, and rodeos. Thanks Chuck for your help.
I was particularly impressed with how the men's rodeo opened with prayer and acknowledged Merle Decker and his contributions to the fair through the years. The announcer also emphasized the benefit meal being planned for Merle Friday at the United Methodist church.
I also got a chance to talk with women's organizer Callie Jo Peterson on the phone. I was looking for more information about the rodeo. She said she felt the rodeo went well and that it was "fabulous" and they were pleased with the turnout. Ten women's rodeo ranch teams competed, traveling from as close as Marion, Peabody, Canton, Council Grove, and Chase County to as far away as Sedan, Fall River, Missouri, and New Mexico.
As you can tell, there were a lot of firsts for me at the fair. Another was going to the 4-H livestock auction. After talking with Ricky Roberts from the county extension office, I learned the bidders normally don't bid to buy the animal itself. The premium bid is a donation and most of the money is paid to 4-H members who raised the animals.
I also attended the 4-H business appreciation meal. We received free tickets from 4-H member Amy Bartel. Thank you 4-H'ers, sponsors, and parents — the meal was delicious.
Although the commercial building was not full, one booth was certainly crowded each day — the Friends of Richard Wall booth. We were glad the community came out to help support the efforts of Becky Lindsay and crew.
Chuck said they made some changes this year at the fair and hope the public enjoyed them. He said he plans to be around next year.
As for me, I had a great time and I'm looking forward to next year's county fair.
— Cathy Davis
