The GREAT Indiana State Fair

What an evening!!!! I had the opportunity to attend the Indiana State Fair Board of Directors dinner tonight. This was their final dinner before Opening Day tomorrow! We enjoyed an awesome meal - pork loin of course, since it is the Year of Pigs at the State Fair!

Although the Directors were extremely busy today, many of them took the time to attend this dinner. At the end of the meal - sitting on the balcony of the President's Suite in the middle of the fairgrounds, each Director went around and shared their fondest fair memories. WOW - this is where I was so touched that I had to write this blog and dedicate it to the folks that work so hard to provide our state with an amazing 17 days of fair fun!

Here are a few of the memories that were shared:

1) Attending the State Fair for over 40 consecutive years.
2) Multi-generations of family members exhibiting at the fair.
3) Packing picnic meals and eating fried chicken in the infield with their families.
4) Watching their children exhibit 4-H projects for 10 years at the State Fair.
5) Getting 'chills' when they turned the corner and saw the Indiana State Fair sign above the Coliseum.

6) Knowing the countless hours of hard work that our youth put in to their 4-H projects.

7) Realizing the potential of young people in our state.

8) Laughing and developing life-long friendships.

9) Knowing the difference that they make in the 4-H members' lives.

10) Believing in our youth.

I wish I could explain the passion that I heard and saw when these folks shared their stories tonight. I saw quivering chins, smiling, nodding, laughing and shedding tears. These people are the heart of the Indiana State Fair. The countless hours that they volunteer to make sure that our 4-H members can succeed are unbelievable.

I know how powerful the 4-H Youth program can be. I was a 10-year member and was lucky enough to exhibit all 10 years at the State Fair. That program made an impact in my life like no other youth program that I was involved in. It was evident tonight that many of our Directors feel the same. They volunteer because that program and that place have touched them so deeply. It's awesome!!

So, to those who serve our 4-H Youth program - THANK YOU!!!! You make a difference every day in the lives of our future citizens! Here's to "Making the Best Better!"

http://www.indianastatefair.com/