150th fair rolls in

Capitol Avenue in Corydon was lined with spectators Sunday evening for the annual Harrison County Fair parade. People also lined the track at the fairgrounds and filled seats in the grandstands. After all, it was the kickoff to the oldest continuous fair in Indiana.
Many of the floats made note of the fair’s 150 years. And while the next election isn’t until May, several politicians could be found among the entries.
Bette Harper, who helped organize the parade, which took about 1-1/2 hours to make its way down Capitol Avenue and past the grandstand, said there were approximately 125 entries, which included numerous cars and tractors.
‘There were people everywhere … several deep,’ she said.
Some homeowners hosted parties prior to the parade.
‘We were very fortunate’ with regard to the weather, Harper said. ‘You couldn’t have asked for a better day.’
Winners in the parade were:
Best Float ‘ Invitation to Dance, which had a pirate ship
Best Tractor ‘ Carey Mathis, with a display of old farm tools
Best Horse-drawn Entry ‘ Carr Carriage Co. with Clydesdale horses
Best Walking Unit ‘ Community First Bank, joined by the Emergency Medical Services truck from Harrison County Hospital
Best Antique Car ‘ Mike Sutherland’s green 1935 Chevrolet
Those who opted to view the parade from the grandstand could watch several 4-year-olds vie for the title of Little Miss and Master. This year’s winners were Cali Draper, daughter of Heather Hodges and Jerod Draper, both of Depauw, and Isaac Gerdon, son of Kevin and Candace Gerdon of Corydon.
After the parade, seven young women introduced themselves to the crowd before the 2009 Miss Harrison County fair queen was named. Judging took place earlier.
Shelbi Burns of Corydon was announced the winner just before 9 p.m. The daughter of Shane and Tara Burns, she is a home-school sophomore who is considering a degree as a music therapist.
In addition to winning the title crown, Shelbi was named Miss Photogenic and Miss Congeniality, which is voted on by the contestants.
First runner-up was Sydney Hammond, daughter of Jason and Bonnie Phillips. She will be a junior at Corydon Central High School.
Second runner-up was Caitlyn Byrd, daughter of Dennis and Terri Byrd of Corydon. She is a 2009 graduate of Corydon Central High School.
Things heated up at the fair Monday night when the Demolition Derby Mini Cars was the grandstand attraction. An added event was a lawn mower demo derby.
In front of the grandstand last night (Tuesday) was another new event, motocross races.
The 4-H awards presentation will be today at 4 p.m. in the Show Barn. The livestock events concluded yesterday; however, the Livestock Auction will be this evening at 6.
The fair continues through Saturday. Admission, which will be charged beginning at 4 p.m. today, noon tomorrow and Friday and 3 p.m. Saturday, is $8 per person and includes parking, general seating at the grandstand and unlimited rides.
Here are some of the fair highlights remaining:
Today ‘ Bear Hollow Chainsaw Sculpturing, 5:30 and 8 p.m. (repeats again Thursday and Friday); Threshing Demonstration, 7 p.m. (repeats Thursday, Friday and Saturday); Open Microphone and Share-the-Fun skit ‘Our Great Fair’ at 7 p.m.; Gospel Sing and Family Drama by Lincoln Hills Christian Church, 7:30 p.m.; $1,500 cash give-away, 9:30 p.m.
Tomorrow ‘ Old Timer’s Day (free admission for senior citizens until 4 p.m.); Open Dairy Goat Show, 10 a.m.; Harness Races, 1 p.m.; Apple Pie Contest followed by auction, 2:30 p.m.; Taste of Harrison County, 6 p.m.; Pedal Tractor Pull, 6 p.m.; Open Beef Show, 7 p.m.; Demolition Derby (Big Sedan), Mini Car Rollover and Buck Mathes Look Alike Contest, 7:30 p.m.; $1,500 cash give-away, 9:30 p.m.
Friday ‘ Harness Races, 1 p.m.; Mechanical Bull Rides ($2), 5 p.m.; Baby Contest, 6 p.m.; Guitar Hero/Rock Band Preliminary, 7 p.m.; Open Boer Goat Show, 7 p.m.; Truck Pull, 7 p.m.; $2,000 cash give-away, 9:30 p.m.
Saturday ‘ Open Boer Goat Show and Open Rabbit Show, 9 a.m.; Open Poultry Show, 10 a.m.; Mechanical Bull Rides ($2), 4 p.m.; Tractor Pull, 6 p.m.; Guitar Hero/Rock Band Finals, 7 p.m.; Open Sheep Show, 7 p.m.; $3,000 cash give-away and chainsaw sculptures auction, 9:30 p.m.; performance by rock band FLOORD from 10 p.m. to midnight.
The Yellow Brick Road will also be open today, tomorrow and Friday from 5 to 9 p.m.
Midway rides will open daily at 5 p.m., except Saturday when the rides open at 4 p.m.