By Ryan Trares | Daily Journal
Lieutenant governor makes appearance
Just like people all over Indiana, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch relishes the arrival of county fair season each summer.
Crouch oversees the Indiana Department of Agriculture as lieutenant governor, and has seen firsthand how important agriculture is to Indiana. Not only are county fairs a celebration of Hoosier agriculture’s role in the economy, but a way to bring people together around a shared tradition.
“The county fair is really that opportunity to showcase the best about agriculture in Indiana,” she said. “I try to get to as many county fairs as I can, and it’s wonderful to be here at such an incredible county fair. Just waiting for the state fair.”
Crouch stopped by the Johnson County 4-H and Agricultural Fair Thursday afternoon, greeting supporters, touring the fairgrounds with local Republican candidates and helping honor Joseph Dunn, a local resident active in 4-H, FFA and area agriculture.
The visit was an opportunity to recapture something that had been lost last year.
“One of the things about COVID that impacted me the most was not having that state fair, not having the county fairs, not being able to come together to celebrate agriculture. Agriculture is big business in Indiana,” she said.
Crouch had come to support the Johnson County Republican Party, whose tent on the main walkway of the fairgrounds was difficult to miss throughout the week.
She also took time to join state Rep. Michelle Davis, R-Whiteland, and state Rep. John Young, R-Franklin, in presenting a Hard Working Hoosier Award to Dunn. Davis has been presenting the award to individuals who make a difference in their community — in her district — throughout her first term in the statehouse, and made special care to recognize Dunn during fair week.
Dunn, the ag teacher and FFA adviser at Indian Creek High School, has also been active in 4-H and spending countless hours volunteering at the county fair. He was nominated by his wife, Stephanie.
“Joseph is a great example to both young and older Hoosiers of what a hard-working Hoosier is all about,” Davis said. “His family and friends said that he sets the standard high with his work ethic and dedication to the ag community.”
Scaring up attention
The scarecrows may have been designed to drive pests away.
But at the Johnson County 4-H and Agricultural Fair this week, the burlap-headed characters have only attracted attention from the community.
Scarecrows dressed as zombies, Mario and Luigi, and Miss Piggy were set up outside a tent on the main walkway. Curiosity got the best of many passersby, who couldn’t help approaching the volunteers sitting inside to inquire further. Fair week has been good for organizers of Scarecrow Madness.
“There’s been a lot of interest, and a lot of people are signing up. It’s all been working,” said Jeanie Cole, a Franklin realtor who created Scarecrow Madness.
For the past three years, Cole has spearheaded the Scarecrow Madness effort. People purchase a scarecrow-making kit, which includes a painted burlap face and a post to mount the creation on, then set up the dummy in their yard throughout the month of October.
Last year, more than 180 people took part. An interactive map online lets the community know where the displays are located, making for an autumn tradition that the public can enjoy, Cole said.
Proceeds from Scarecrow Madness will benefit the Delta Lambda chapter of Tri Kappa in Greenwood, which supports a variety of community initiatives, from the Salvation Army to Riley Cheer Guild to Meals on Wheels. Tri Kappa members have helped Cole work the fair booth, and have contributed to painting the scarecrow faces in the past.
People can sign up at the fair through Saturday, in addition to registering online anytime at ScarecrowMadness.com.
