Chet Culver & Patty Judge for Iowa

From the Tama County Fair

Posted on Saturday, July 24 at 2:10pm

We hit the wet and soggy road this morning to head out to the Tama Co. Fair. The fairgrounds was a little soggy from the rain last night but that certainly didn't dampen anyone's spirits!

You know, at every fair I visit I can almost always find something new and unique and Tama Co. did not disappoint! After a walk through the 4H building and an exhibition area, I headed up to a horse show. Believe me when I say, this was no ordinary horse show.

About a dozen horses and their riders were decked out and dressed up, each with their own theme. There was a horse painted like a zebra, a horse titled "Wet Paint" and even one that looked like a fire truck (with emergency lights and a fire fighter to match!). We had to take pictures so you could see!

It seemed too tough to judge, but I had the privilege of handing out awards to the kids to who took part!

Really a fun morning with some great folks in Tama County! We're now on the road headed down to the Muscatine Co. Fair. We're seeing our first raindrops of today's trip, so let's hope we stay dry!

Until the next adventure,
Patty

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Catching up

Posted on Saturday, July 24 at 11:28am

Boy, do we have a lot to catch up on! Had a busy and fun day yesterday in Southwest Iowa visiting the Audubon and Page County Fairs, and today am back on the road visiting Southeastern Iowa.

Our first stop yesterday was to the Audubon Co. Fair. I had a nice visit with Audubon County Democrats at their booth.

We took a walk and saw some really beautiful antiques - I was trying to figure out where some of them could fit in my house!

Our next stop of the day took us to the Page County fair where we were greeted by a whole host of folks. I had some great conversations while meeting people at the Page Co. Democrats Booth and they we're nice enough to take me on a tour of the fair.

Along the way I met Bert and Ernie. Now, this may not be the first Bert and Ernie that comes to your mind, but trust me, they were just as entertaining.

Bert was a mule and Ernie was a wagon driver and they took me on a fun wagon ride across the whole fairgrounds. I even had to take a minute to get my picture taken with Bert before we left!

We managed to make it home before the rain, but did have quite the "light show." Hope you and yours stayed safe with the storms last night!

-Patty

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A Great Night at the Washington County Fair

Posted on Friday, July 23 at 7:52am

What a great way to end Thursday. Just leaving Washington County after a beautiful night at the fair.

I was lucky enough to have a couple of great tour guides tonight. Bruce Watson, the director of the Washington Co. Fair and Louise Frakes with the Washington Co. Democrats were leading the way for us this evening.

We had a nice tour through the commercial building where I was able to meet some excited Washington County residents. I even ran into an old friend from my days at the Monroe County Hospital!

I also made a pit stop at the Washington County Democrats Booth were I was able to pose with some fun friends! (See photo)!

After a quick walk through the Ag barns where I examined the champion steer,  we headed for the grandstand (which was making a lot of noise). Tonight they were having motocross races, and we were able to get in on the action! It was amazing to see these  bikes zipping around the dirt track like it was nothing!

A big thanks to everyone at the Washington Co Fair. It was a great night!

Now on the road home, but will be back out to fairs tomorrow!

Until the next adventure,
Patty

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From the Benton County Fair

Posted on Thursday, July 22 at 7:40pm

We're on the road and braving the heat for another day of county fairs!

Just left the Benton County Fair in Vinton and had a fun time meeting the fair go-ers.

I first stopped by the Benton County Democrats booth where I met my fantastic fair tour guide, Rosemary Schwartz.

We took a walk to meet the vendors and presenters and look over their great booths, full of outstanding work. I saw some beautiful wood working (it always amazes me the quality of craftsmanship), and it may be a good thing I left my wallet in the car!

We continued up to the livestock area (a fair wouldn't be complete without it!) where I was able to pop my head in and visit a lamb show. Our boys never showed lambs but it looked like the young 4Hers were out there working hard and there were some really high quality lambs in the show ring!

We're back on the road now, next stop: Washington County Fair!

Until the next adventure,
Patty

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Llamas, chickens, rabbits and some great looking pigs and calves!

Posted on Thursday, July 22 at 7:14am

There was no shortage of livestock at the Jasper County Fair last tonight.


I had a great time visiting with excited parents and youth alike, who we’re getting ready for their turn in the ring. I can’t help but reminisce about my own boys getting ready to show livestock in the county fair. I’ve been there and know first hand the work these kids and parents are putting in, and I know its no easy task… I wish all of them the best of luck!

I was also able to pop my head in a rabbit show as well as a bucket calf show and watch a few young “4Hers” have their chance in the ring. It’s really great to see young Iowans excited about agriculture!



Looking forward to more county fairs later today!

Until the next adventure,
Patty


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1st day of the Poweshiek County Fair

Posted on Wednesday, July 21 at 4:00pm

What a great visit to write my second official post about! Just left the Poweshiek County Fair on the edge of town in Grinnell. Had great visits with some residents of Poweshiek on this, the first day of the fair!

Being a life-long fair go-er and participant, I always enjoy the atmosphere on the first day of the fair. It is especially fun to watch the young 4-Hers getting livestock moved in and get their presentations set up. Poweshiek County fair is no different it was a great day.

I even had a chance to stop in and visit with the Poweshiek County Fair Queen Candidates and told them I would see one of them in just a few weeks at the Iowa State Fair!

It looks like Powesheik is ready for a great week at the fair!

Next Stop: Jasper Co Fair!

Until the next adventure,
Patty

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Welcome to my blog

Posted on Wednesday, July 21 at 8:19am

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