Polk County Fair 2023 Guide

My Confession to Polk County...

Dear Friend,

When I meet people in Polk County, they usually say, “Oh, I know you. You’re the doctor that I’ve seen on YouTube with your son Chris, from the Bachelorette.” Well, I want you to know a little more about that picture and why I use it in my ads. In 1976, when I was studying to be a chiropractor, I received an amazing treatment at age 26 that totally changed my life and got rid of my chronic headaches, sinusitis and snoring from falls, bumps and thumps in sports, even a few fights growing up on the streets of Philly. It is called the Bilateral Nasal Specific Treatment from my teacher Dr. Stober, at the University of Western States in Portland. And all I could say then, even now, was WOW! After that first treatment, I was able to breathe so much better through my nose. And my headaches? Felt like a knife was taken out of my head. Even my vision improved from needing glasses to not needing glasses. At age 26, you learn how to put up with a lot, but I was at the “end of my rope,” desperate, in spite of being a competitive athlete pitching in the semi-professional Portland City League. Once I had that adjustment, “the lights went on for me” and I knew at that moment I wanted to learn this special technique, developed, practiced, and taught by Dr. Stober for over 30 years before I had my first treatment in 1976. I was so committed to learning his technique that I spent over 1,000 hours over a 10-year period observing and studying with him and am now a leading expert. I became his protégé and the only student to treat him for his chronic headaches he suffered with from a bad head injury as a kid, leading him to develop this special, non-surgical treatment. I also truly believe he saved my son Chris from a lot of suffering as well.

You see, when Chris was born, after a 36-hour intensive labor and homebirth, he had a conehead and we were told that he could have some cerebral palsy due to the stress on his head from the birth process. The day after he was born, I took him to Dr. Stober for his first Bilateral Nasal Specific treatment. Right in

front of our eyes, my wife and I could see the shape of his head changing. I took over Chris’s care from there and he became an All-Star baseball pitcher and soccer player in high school, a walk-on at the University of Portland, and was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 11th round and the 354th pick and pitched for them for 5 years. One just never knows how valuable a Bilateral Nasal Specific treatment and sound nutrition can do for a person’s health. It's strange how life is because I have treated many patients since 1976 with chronic migraines, sinusitis, snoring, concussions, whiplash, birth trauma, and other conditions related to blows to the head or difficult births. Here’s just one testimonial from a recent patient. And there are reviews as well as

on my website: www.nasalspecific.com

and I started noticing improvements after the first few treatments. I’ve had over 9 treatments now and my sinuses have been completely clear. The results of his treatments are, according to my wife, I no longer snore. I don’t have sleep apnea anymore. I’m sleeping through the night, and I am breathing really well with no blockage in my nose. It’s amazing.

Now, My CONFESSION is that I don’t heal anyone!! I never have. I don’t treat or cure any of the problems patients come to me with. Here’s how it works: I make a specific adjustment to the sphenoid bone in your head. Your brain and nervous system then function better. It’s your body that does the healing. And I’ve had amazing results in practice since performing this special, non-surgical treatment thousands of times since 1976. Unique offer: !!

If you bring in this article, or mention it from online, you will receive a full consultation for only $97 to see if you are a candidate for my Bilateral Nasal Specific treatment. This consultation usually costs $295 to find out if you are a candidate for this potentially lifechanging treatment and could benefit from my non-surgical care plan. If you qualify for care, and decide to take your first treatment, I will waive the consultation fee.

My qualifications? I have been practicing my Bilateral Nasal Specific treatment for over 40 years, the protégé of Dr. Stober, a leading expert in the field, and have even been called the “Godfather” and “guru,” having performed the procedure thousands of times. I’ve treated jockeys, dancers, professional world class athletes, and everyday patients from infants to age 98. I’m committed to helping as many people as I possibly can.

My name is Landon Haney, and I am now 77 years old. I have had sinus problems off and on since I was teenager. The most recent one started in 2011 and continued until recently. My nose was completely plugged off and I heard about Dr. Siegfried on the radio. I knew from past treatments he had done for me and always helped me, so I called for a consultation. He started his Bilateral Nasal Specific Treatments,

My office assistants are wonderful!! Our office is both friendly and warm and we try our best to make you feel at home. This is a potentially life-changing treatment for you. Please call my caring and enthusiastic staff to schedule your appointment today. I would like to change your life too. You can also watch videos, read reviews and my FREE REPORT on my website at www.nasalspecific.com. Hope to see you soon!

Dedicated to your health and wellness, Dr. Siegfried www.nasalspecific.com

Chris & Doc Siegfried

It’s Fair Time!

Welcome to the Polk County Fair

Polk County, come and show us what you have! We’re excited to see what you have created, raised, baked, photographed, built and concocted this year. Let’s celebrate together this summer all the bounty that Polk County has to offer.

The Polk County Fair is a place where we come together as a community to celebrate what makes Polk County a special place where friends, neighbors, families and acquaintances come together to celebrate and honor the hard work that happens every day, everywhere in Polk County.

The Polk County Fair Staff and Fair Board have been working extremely hard to make the 2023 Polk County Fair as family oriented, safe, inviting, fun and relaxing as we can. It is our hope that you will come down, take a load off, sit a spell and catch up with us.

We want to thank everyone for their continued support of the Polk

County Fairgrounds throughout the years. This year’s Fair would not be possible without the continued generous collaboration between Polk County agencies, local businesses and countless hours by volunteers and staff.

New to this year, the Willamette Health Council is kindly sponsoring a day of free admission and hosting a Community Engagement Event, a way for the council to hear from you, the community members, about what you need to be healthy and well. WHC is hoping to have as much participation as possible in their three interactive sessions: Thursday, Aug. 10 (starting at 10:30 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.). After you’participated, you’ll receive a voucher for food at one of the many fair vendors.

WHC’s Community Advisory Council (CAC), Polk County Public

Health, and the PacificSource

Marion-Polk Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) are hosting this community conversation to learn more about Polk County residents’ health wants and needs. Your ideas and perspectives will help inform the work of the CAC and the CCO.

Community partners will be onsite to provide information about the Oregon Health Plan (which is free health coverage offered by the State of Oregon) and to help answer health coverage questions. If you are a current Oregon Health Plan member and have questions or need help with your renewal paperwork, these partners can assist you as well. All help is free. Stop by the booth for more information.

For more info please visit willamettehealthcouncil.org.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2023 Polk County Fair. Join us!

Sincerely,

Tim Ray

Polk County Fair Board Chair

Matthew Nelson

Hilary Berg

CONTENT MANAGER Donovan Darling

COPY EDITOR

Kate Astle

ADVERTISING SPECIALISTS

Stephanie Baker • Tina Toney

ADVERTISING DESIGN

Hilary Berg • Sean Carver

Morgan King • Brittany Jungenberg

Shawn Schmidt

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Olive Gallagher • Dennis McNabb

Tyler Francke • Kelly Romo

Whatever Floats Your Goat

Making the Polk County Fair

BY OLIVE GALLAGHER

No successful event, fair, or auction just happens; it takes months of planning, vision, talent, and support. It also takes leadership and a dedicated staff to pull it all off and make it look effortless. Such is the case of this year’s Polk County Fair, Aug. 9–12.

According to Tina Andersen, who, starting in 1999, has been the Fair manager of the Polk County Fairgrounds and Event Center for 24 years, “None of this could happen without the efforts of an amazing group of staff and volunteers along with a supportive community.”

The fairgrounds are run by a sevenmember volunteer board of directors who are appointed by the Polk County commissioners. Tina manages a very select, small staff of “wonderfully crazy people like me who are committed to producing a great event

The staff each year also hires teenagers to assist and that job is often their very first. In addition, the staff manages more than 600 volunteers to help in every area of the grounds. Tina continued, “We just want our community to come and enjoy their fair.”

The Polk County Fairgrounds and Event Center is open all year long, hosting hundreds of events a year, the star being the annual fair.

Tina explained further, “We’re not a commercial fair. We’re a good old-fashioned county fair that’s dedicated to providing young people with an opportunity to exhibit and showcase what they do or accomplish during the year.” She continued, “And because we’re not a commercial fair, we try not to nickel and dime folks once they come in the gate.”

Available now online, entry tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for folks who are 62 and better, as well as teens between 11 and 15. Children under 10 are free. New to this year is the amazing donation by Willamette Health Council. The gracious organization will be paying for everyone’s entry fee on Thursday, Aug. 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

While there is an amazing variety of events within the fair, one that deserves special attention is the 4-H and FFA (Future Farmers of America) Youth Livestock Auction. The annual event features animals that have been raised by young participants ranging from fourth graders to high school students.

These competitors are responsible all year long for the feeding, caring for, and keeping of the records on the animal. Along with teaching

they also learn to basically run their own business. For instance, they go out into the community and market the animal they’re raising for competition to local businesses, and invite those business owners to get involved and attend the auction.

Last year, the kids raised more than $472,808. The money raised goes directly to the winners for their education, school supplies, or college funds, as well as paying it forward

towards next year’s auction. The first entry year, the participant may have to borrow from family to cover their costs, but once they win, they are on their way to learning how to manage and invest their own money.

There’s more for the kids other than raising animals for auction. They can compete in several other categories like sewing, cooking, baking, photography and artwork. These competitions, unlike

the auction, award ribbons for outstanding work along with cash prizes. A number of Polk County businesses sponsor these awards every year and are very generous.

Tina finished, “One of the best take-aways for me after 23 years is realizing that kids I’ve worked with so many years ago are now attending the Fair with kids of their own. And many of these kids now comprise a large part of our volunteer core.”

Polk County Fairgrounds are located at 520 S. Pacific Hwy W. in Rickreall. For more information or to find the exhibitor book and entry forms online, go to www.co.polk. or.us/fair. Tickets are available online

Tuesday thru Friday: 9:30am ~ 5:30pm Saturday: 9am ~ 4pm, Closed Sundays & Mondays bobbfour3420@msn.com.

POLK COUNTY FAIR SCHEDULE AT

A GLANCE

Wednesday, August 9

9:30 am  4-H Horse Gaming Showmanship

10:00 am  4-H Horse Gaming — Key Race, Flag Race & NSCA @ Horse Arena

1:00 pm  4-H Horse Gaming, Figure 8 Poles & Barrels @ Horse Arena

2:00 pm  Fair Opens to the Public

 4-H/FFA Market Sheep Show @ Large Show Ring

 Family Fun Zone opens @ Playground

 STEAM Machine @ Playground

 Steampunk Display @ Playground

 Drones & Robotics @ Playground

4:00 pm  4-H/FFA Market Goat Show @ Large Show Ring

 Stick Horse Gaming & Jumping @ Horse Arena

 Misty and The Sandman Magic Show @ Stage

5:00 pm  4-H/FFA Market Poutry Show @ Small Show Ring

5:30 pm  Misty and The Sandman Hypnosis Show @ Stage

6:30 pm  4-H/FFA Market Swine Show @ Large Show Ring

9:00 pm  Polk County Fair Closes for the Day

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10 — SENIOR DAY

9:00 am  4-H Horticulture Show: Flowers, Veggies & Containers @ Stage

 4-H/FFA Dairy Goat Showmanship followed by Dairy Breed and Pygmy Goat Showmanship @Large Show Ring

 4-H/FFA Market Rabbits @ Small Show Ring

10:00 am  Fair Opens to the Public

 4-H Cat Show & Pet Show @ Building C

 Willamette Valley Express Train @ Fairgrounds

 Family Fun Zone @ Playground

 Steampunk Display @ Playground

 Rickreall Fire Obstacle Course @ Playground

 STEAM Machine @ Playground

 Drones & Robotics @ Playground

11:30 am  4-H Flower Arrangement Contest @ Stage

12:00 pm

4-H/FFA Meat Goat Showmanship & Breed Show @ Large Show Ring

 4-H/FFA Poultry Market Show followed by Poultry Showmanship @ Small Show Ring

Misty and The Sandman Magic Show @ Stage 3:00 pm

2:00 pm

Overall 4-H Goat Showmanship @ Large Show Ring 4:00 pm

pm

5:00

Oregon Old-Time Fiddler @ Stage

Large & Small Animal Costume Contest @ Large Show Ring

Farm animal Facts GOATS

 Goats were one of the first animals to be tamed by humans and were being herded 9,000 years ago.

 Goat meat is the most consumed meat per capita worldwide.

 Goats can be taught their name and to come when called.

 The life span of a goat is

DAY BY DAY

Wednesday,

Fair Opens to the Public

4-H/FFA Market Sheep Show @ Large Show Ring

DAY BY DAY

Thursday, August 10

Family Fun Zone @ Playground

Steampunk Display @ Playground

Rickreall Fire Obstacle Course @ Playground

STEAM Machine @ Playground

Drones & Robotics @ Playground

11:30 am

4-H Flower Arrangement Contest @ Stage

12:00 pm

4-H/FFA Meat Goat

Showmanship & Breed Show

@ Large Show Ring

9:00 am

4-H Horticulture Show: Flowers, Veggies & Containers

@ Stage

4-H/FFA Dairy Goat

Showmanship followed by Dairy Breed and Pygmy Goat Showmanship

4-H/FFA Market Rabbits

@ Small Show Ring

10:00 am

Fair Opens to the Public

4-H Cat Show & Pet Show @ Building C

Willamette Valley Express @ Fairgrounds

4-H/FFA Poultry Market Show followed by Poultry Showmanship @ Small Show Ring

2:00 pm

Misty and The Sandman Magic Show @ Stage

Farm animal Facts

PIGS

 Pigs are not too much different from us genetically, pig heart valves are used in humans.

 Pigs snuggle close to one another and sleep nose to nose. They dream, much as humans do.

 An average pig eats five pounds of feed each day, or a ton of food every year.

DAY BY DAY

Friday, August 11

DAY BY DAY

Saturday, August 12

Rickreall Fire Obstacle Course

@ Playground

Steampunk Display

@ Playground

Family Fun Zone

@ Playground

STEAM Machine

@ Playground

Robotics

@ Playground

Drone Racing

@ Arena

7:30 am

Auction Buyers Registration & Breakfast

10:00 am

Fair Opens to the Public

PCLA Youth Livestock Auction

@ Large Show Ring

Drone Racing

@ Horse Arena

10:30 am

Beautiful Baby Contest

@ Stage

12:00 pm

Cookie & Cupcake

Decorating Contest

@ 4-H Building

12:30 pm

France School of Dance

@ Stage

1:30 pm

4-H Fashion Show

& Performing Arts followed by Dog Demo & Shooting

Sport Awards and Recognition

@ Stage

3:00 pm

Misty and The Sandman

Hypnosis Show

@ Stage

4:00 pm

4-H Small Animal Master Showmanship followed by FFA Small Animal Master

Showmanship

@ Large Show Ring

Farm animal Facts

Rabbits

 Baby rabbits are called “kittens.” Female rabbits are called “does” and male rabbits are called “bucks.”

 Rabbits are social and are happiest in the company of their own species. They can become depressed if kept on their own.

 Rabbits have almost 360-degree vision, but they are born with their eyes shut.

Horsin’ Around

4-H Horse Show both educational and exciting for riders and spectators

sport to advanced riders with years of experience under their belts.

The 4-H Horse Show is a unique opportunity for exhibitors and spectators alike to engage in an educational and exciting experience. The mission of the Horse Show is to provide youth with hands-on learning experiences that will help them develop life skills, such as communication, problem-solving and leadership.

BY KELLY ROMO

The 4-H Horse Show is a highly anticipated event at the Polk County Fair. Each summer, young equestrians gather to compete with their horses in a variety of classes and events spread out over several days. For these horse enthusiasts, it’s an opportunity to show off their skills, bond with their animals and enjoy the camaraderie of the local community. The 4-H Horse Show embraces all riders — from beginners just starting out in the

Two distinct disciplines are featured at the horse show —

English and Western — each with its own unique style, rules and attire. Western and English are two different styles of horse riding that emphasize the relationship between the horse and rider. The main difference is in the style of tack or equipment used. Western uses a western saddle, which has a deeper seat and features a horn in the front, and a shanked bit that requires one handed riding. In contrast, English uses an English saddle which is smaller and lighter and a traditional snaffle bit. Both disciplines require control over their horses’ movements, skillful riding techniques and precise communication between horse and rider in order to succeed.

Within each discipline are multiple classes that span all levels

of experience — from novice riders just starting out to high school seniors who have been riding for years. The 4-H Horse Show is the perfect place for young horse riders to show off their skills and compete in exciting events. Riders of all levels will participate in various events such as show

atmosphere where novices can get a feel for what it’s like to compete in front of an audience without any pressure or expectations placed upon them by judges or spectators alike.

jumping, dressage, cart driving, trail course and gaming. Many of our members are competing in timed events, performance classes and showmanship so they can represent Polk County at the State Fair. Along with competition classes, there are exhibition classes where riders can show off their talents without being judged on performance points or accuracy scores. This provides a fun

The 4-H Horse Show has much to offer visitors — not only will they have the opportunity to watch riders show off their skills, but it is also a chance to learn about horses and horsemanship through educational exhibits and presentations in the barn. Visitors can get up close with different breeds of horses, watch demonstrations on proper riding form, learn about equine nutrition and care and even have an opportunity to interact with some of the animals. There are plenty of opportunities for adults and children alike to gain knowledge while having fun!

The 4-H Horse Show is an incredible event that brings together people from different backgrounds — all united under one common passion shared by many: horses! Whether competing against others or simply spectating from the sidelines, it’s sure to be an enjoyable experience for all involved! Please check the program for a list of events and times so you can come to watch and support our young riders. 

Goggley-Eyed Entertainment

Virtual reality view of drone racing

share this incredible sport with all interested spectators!

BY ANGIE HELVEY

Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles have been around since the 1930s but have become increasingly popular in recent years. Initially developed for the military, they have expanded to include photography, environmental monitoring, product delivery and more. Drones are designed differently depending on their purpose. But have you ever seen a drone built for racing that can fly well over 100 miles per hour and accelerates almost instantaneously?

Portland Drone Racing is a group dedicated to building and racing their own radio-controlled, firstperson view aircrafts. They wear virtual-reality goggles to watch and control the drone from the aircraft’s perspective with a radio/transmitter. This year, Portland Drone Racing will hold a race on Saturday, August 12th, at the Polk County Fair to

Portland Drone Racing member Eirik Toft has been into flying things for most of his life. He picked up his first drone in 2012 but didn’t get involved in modern drone racing until April 2020. Eirik loves the experience of the first-person view. “I love to fly, and the FPV takes that to a new level most people have never experienced,” he says. “One of the pillars in our community, Joshua Bardwell, equates it with riding a speeder in Star Wars. This is the closest you’ll ever come to that.”

So what does a drone race look like? The course has a series of gates with 5-foot by 5-foot square hoops and flags. The drone pilots

weave through the gates and are awarded one point for each lap they complete. The speed and precision are fascinating to watch. “They are extremely fast,” says Portland Drone Racing President Chuck Sampson. “The fastest pilots can complete a lap within about 12-16 seconds.” Each race has about 10-15 pilots, with short heats of 3-4 pilots, and to win, the participant must achieve the highest number of laps per heat. If

there is a tie, then time is considered.

Chuck has been involved in radiocontrolled hobbies since he was a teenager and got into drones about six years ago. “Apart from the technical aspect, the most compelling thing about drone racing is the welcoming community, friends I’ve made, and the demographic of the people involved,” Chuck shares. “We have flyers as young as 13, some older retired folks, and everything in between.”

Portland Drone Racing has access to a property in Beaverton at 185th

and Tualatin Valley Highway where most races are held, and they practice flying in different locations. Members build their own drones from parts including a set of electronics, a set of motors and a carbonfiber frame. New pilots can get assistance and advice on building their drones from the community. “The club is a subset of a larger community,” explains Chuck. “We have a huge social media presence and a Discord channel with a couple hundred active users where people can get tips, tricks, and recommendations.”

In addition to the race, Portland Drone Racing will have a daily booth at the fair so people can look at the drones up close and have the opportunity to chat with pilots and ask questions. “It’s our favorite thing to talk about, and we are very enthusiastic about it. We frequently have spectators at our races and

are happy to have people hang out and watch,” Chuck says. “People are always surprised at how fast and maneuverable the drones are.”

Eirik chimes in. “I love this hobby, and sharing it with people gives me great joy. You don’t just learn about flying but also electronics, soldering, engineering, aerodynamics, videography, and many other things.”

So don’t forget to make drone racing part of your fair experience this year. Watch the race, stop at the Portland Drone Racing booth, and get a chance to meet the pilots and take a look at these impressive machines up close! 

Rolling With the Thunder

Ride in a real-life monster truck

BY DENNIS McNABB

That’s right, folks! For all you intrepid motorsport junkies out there, this is your chance to not only get up close and personal, but actually ride in the back of one of the biggest, baddest monster trucks around: American Thunder! This formidable, red, white and blue, beautiful Ford pickup stands 15 feet tall, 12 feet wide, and weighs in at a lean mean 14,000 pounds! To put that in relative terms, an average Ford F-250 stands not quite seven feet tall, not quite seven feet wide, and weighs in at only about 3,000 pounds. Or, think about it this way: 14,000 pounds equates to seven tons. That is one monster piece of machinery! Add to that, each wheel weighs somewhere between seven and eight hundred pounds, and boasts a circumference

large enough to seat a small child inside the rim —just check out their Facebook photos for proof.

So, how are we afforded this incredible and unique privilege? It’s all thanks to Ron Leach and Kendra Dugger, the daddy-daughter team who have owned and run American Thunder Motorsports right here in Oregon for over 20 years. Their organization manages an entire monster truck and stunt show extravaganza

which they take all over the country. And although we are only getting a small taste of what they have to offer, that bite packs a punch.

They will be at the fair for a limited-time-only, Friday night, Aug. 11, from 5 to 8 p.m., and you will not want to miss out! I had the pleasure of speaking with Kendra Dugger, and her enthusiasm for the event was absolutely contagious! She said people come from all over the fairgrounds when they see and hear their truck on the move. It’s a real showstopper! And it’s free! And since it’s outfitted with eight seats in the bed, you and your friends or family can all ride together. Typical rides last five minutes.

Both Kendra and her father have been racing and performing in the motorsport arena for decades. This truck was, in fact, built by Ron himself, and it has been a staple of their show since the beginning. It’s not to be missed!

As local Oregonians, Kendra and Ron want nothing more than to thrill audiences and give back to their communities. In respect to the proceeds earned from this event, a percentage will be used to fund the upcoming season for the South Albany Women’s Wrestling Team.

Kendra was ecstatic to recently be named the first female head coach ever for the team, and this is the first new women’s sanctioned sport since 1979! So, as an added bonus, they will be bringing three of the state’s top female wrestling champions to assist with the event!

Come to the fair Friday, Aug. 11, and feel the ground quake while riding American Thunder! Follow the whole team on Facebook at American Thunder Motorsports or americanthunderthrillshow.com.

FFA All the Way

High schooler turns passion into progress

BY KELLY ROMO

Cassie Ainsworth is a high school graduate who’s about to embark on the next chapter of her life at Oregon State University. In the fall, she will major in agricultural science and education to pursue her dreams of becoming an ag teacher. Cassie’s involvement with FFA has enabled her to experience the wonders of agriculture on a larger scale, from raising pigs and lambs to attending a national convention in Indianapolis, where her chapter was recognized as a two-star national chapter.

FFA members are more than farmers, and agriculture is more than farming. FFA is a nationwide student-led organization focused around agriculture and education. It is an organization dedicated to inspiring the next generation of agriculturists and agricultural professionals. By providing members with practical training and knowledge within the field,

by teaching valuable life skills such as collaboration, communication, problem-solving and decisionmaking — and the opportunity to connect with agriculture leaders and the community.

Cassie’s involvement with showing animals started long before she joined FFA. In 5th grade, Cassie joined 4-H after her father brought home a pig for her to raise. Her father also surprised her one Easter with rabbits, and she showed them

was a rewarding experience, and it set her up to join FFA, where she had even more opportunities for leadership and competition.

Since joining FFA as a freshman, Cassie has been able to explore and develop her interest in agriculture through hands-on projects such as raising pigs and a lamb. She’s also learned many invaluable lessons from FFA that have helped shape her into who she is today. Cassie started FFA as a shy freshman and went on to become chapter president by her senior year. As chapter president, she learned to be a servant-leader and was instrumental in creating positive change that benefited all members. She also had the

opportunity for an agriculture education internship where she was able to job-shadow an ag teacher.

One of the most impactful experiences for Cassie was attending the national convention in Indianapolis. This event allowed her to meet people who shared similar interests and listen to speeches from leaders in agriculture who have made great strides in their field. At this convention, Cassie had the chance to expand her knowledge on a larger scale, meet people from across the

make new friends. She also flew on a plane and visited the Indianapolis Zoo and the children’s museum.

All these experiences have shaped Cassie’s view on life, ultimately leading her to want to become an ag teacher after graduating college. She hopes that being an educator within this organization will influence young people to think creatively when approaching agricultural issues, while also opening them up to new ideas they may not have previously thought of before joining FFA.

to other students. Other than the ability to wear the cool blue jacket, members will make life-long friends, learn from community leaders and experience all the varied career paths available to them.

Overall, it has been quite a journey for Cassie. She is thankful for all her mentors, including her FFA advisors, Lynn Thomas and Abby Chase, and Lee Letsch from the Polk County Livestock Association. There is no doubt that Cassie’s experiences have helped her to grow both personally and professionally and have given her the confidence and skills that will help her in all areas of her life.

Choo Choose A grand Time

Willamette Valley Express Train new to Oregon

BY PATTI JO BROOKS

All aboard! Hop on the Willamette Valley Express for a memorable trip around the Polk County Fair. Enjoy a moment of relaxation from walking the fairgrounds or traversing long distances between destinations. Jump on or off at any of the scheduled stops along the route. Young or wise, all are welcome and invited to enjoy a free train ride during their visit to the fair. Sit back and take in all the sights, sounds and aromas of the Polk County Fair as you weave your way along the front gate, around numerous livestock exhibits, near food vendors and past the commercial vendors. From your seat, you’ll take in many of the fair’s attractions while receiving bits of trivia, compliments of Captain Scott, this year’s conductor and a former

if the mood strikes him — you just might get a joke or two.

The owner of the Willamette Valley Express, Michael Compton — no, sorry, not the musician — is no stranger to the fair circuits and has a history as colorful as his train. Although the Willamette Valley Express is new to Oregon fairs, Michael acquired it five years ago at the Humboldt County Fair in California from, as he puts it, “an old-timer with no sense of humor.”

train was amazing and looked like a lot of fun.” The guy asked Michael if he would like to buy it. “Are you kidding?” Michael answered. “I’d love to buy it!” The 20-passenger train — the only other West Coast train Michael knows — became part of the Oregon fair circuit when he took over for a friend who wasn’t able to continue running his own train on the circuit this year.

The Willamette Valley Express — so named by Michael — started as a riding lawn mower covered by a fiberglass body made to look like a train engine. “It was loud. It sucked up dirt and blew it in my face,” Michael recalls. “I took it to an innovative friend who owned a golf course and he made a golf cart fit under the fiberglass body and used the ‘brain’ from a smart car to turn it into an electric powered train,” Michael relates. “People tell me all the time that it’s their favorite thing at the fair.” Train rides at the fair are free with no set time restrictions, but everyone is encouraged to be considerate of others who may also wish to experience a fun and relaxing ride across the scenic fairgrounds. Each day around 750 passengers will ride the train, then, at day’s end, it’s off to the charging station to power

Michael’s colorful association with the fairs started 23 years ago when he was fascinated by a rodeo crowd gathered around a mechanical bull. Seeing it as a real money-maker, he thought, “I gotta get one of those!” Every time a new attraction caught

say again, “I gotta get one of those!”

Over the years he acquired a rockclimbing wall, bungee, zipline and more. When he met his wife, she wanted to go on the road with him, but wanted to do food, so they added a pie cart and an ice cream cart.

and trailers, two RVs and a bunk house. On the road February through November every year, they didn’t see much of their home in Albany. Michael had grown up in Oregon but lived in Las Vegas during his high school and early college years. One summer he came back home to Oregon and never left.

Making the decision to scale back their enterprise, Michael and his wife sold all their rides — keeping only the train, the ice cream trailer, pie trailer and a couple of oldfashioned soda stands. Michael adds enthusiastically, “I just realized I did the Polk County Fair once with my mechanical bull years ago — I just remembered that!”

For more about the Willamette Valley Express regarding special events in the local area, September through April in particular, call Michael Compton at 503-949-4434.

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I SPY with My Little Eye

Seek and find GOATS at this year’s fair

BY ALICE WILLIAMS

Do you find it difficult to get others to join you in exploring the exhibits in the Main Building at the Polk County Fair? Do you want to see which photograph won which ribbon but know it will be like pulling teeth to get your child to come along? Are you curious how the youth calligraphers will incorporate this year’s fair theme, “Whatever Floats Your Goat,” into their pieces, but your soulmate doesn’t seem equally and appropriately enthusiastic to find out?

In 2022, Monica Andersen created a solution for you. Monica has helped wherever she has been needed at the fair for over 20 years since her first job, which was at the fair when she was 16. The fair’s manager is her mother-in-law, Tina Andersen. Monica also owns a log trucking business and has built a family that includes two handsome boys with her husband, her high school sweetheart. She wanted to get more people into the Main Building to see all the arts and crafts and photography.. So she created the “I Spy Contest.”

To play I Spy, pick up a card near one of the fair’s entrances. The individual pictures on the cards have numbers on them to tell you how many of that picture you

need to find. There will be pictures matching the images on the card posted near exhibits in the main building. Once you find all the images, bring your card to the Main Office using the honor system and receive a small prize.

The prize is an egg-shaped capsule (like for vending machines) with little trinkets inside. “I thought this would be fun for the kids while the parents/ guardians looked around. It was a hit, and we witnessed young and old enjoying this little piece of the fair,” said Monica Andersen. As you enter the fair, you won’t regret picking up a card and playing I Spy with your little ones (in body and spirit). You will be able to spend more time finding out which contributor won which prize for exhibits like youth arts and crafts, photography, textiles & crafts, fine arts, floral exhibits and food.

Please give the Polk County Fair a call at 503-623-3048 if you have any questions about I Spy and visit the Polk County Fair’s website at www. co.polk.or.us/fair/annual/polk-countyfair-2023 to learn more about what the fair has to offer. 

LAST YEAR’S HUNT FOR FLYING PIGS

Head, Heart, Hands & Health

New generations continue to embrace 4-H

high school. Beginning with educational and non-competitive fun tasks like cooking or creating small art projects to the showing and raising of rabbits, 4H develops all the way to the senior level when teenagers, eligible to apply, can represent Oregon in national and international events like the 4-H National Congress in Atlanta, Georgia.

BY OLIVE GALLAGHER

In this breakneck, fast-paced world, it’s worthwhile to occasionally slow down and appreciate that there are traditions and organizations that have been around for over a century helping others realize their potential. 4-H is one of those amazing organizations, and has branches located in every state of the USA as well as in 80 countries around the globe.

The 4-H Youth Development Program, founded in Ohio in 1904, is one of those remarkable entities that supports Positive Youth Development through youngsterled projects with the guidance of local community leaders

and professionals. A nonprofit organization, 4-H continues after all these years to remain focused on highlighting and developing youth, as well as giving agency and voice to that youth by encouraging and nurturing them to find their “spark” and propel that motivation in a positive direction.

A variety of 4-H activities and interests will be on display at the Polk County Fair, covering everything from cattle, hogs and all agricultural animals and products to exhibits of STEM, arts and crafts, culture and cooking.

The 4-H journey, for any interested child, can start as young as kindergarten and continue all the way through

Starting at age five through third grade, Cloverbuds participate in non-competitive activities focused on making friends and having fun. Then beginning with fourth grade, events become competitions with a judge. These events are divided into three levels: a junior level from ages 9 to 11, an intermediate level from ages 12 to 14, and a Senior level from ages 15 to 19.

At the Polk County Fair, 4-H has a dedicated exhibit building where you can find all of the animals that have been raised by local Polk County youth on display. You’ll also find photography and art exhibits, food displays and scientific explorations. There may even be unexpected contests ranging

from “best speech” to “best food.”

According to Andrea Hunter, one of the 4-H program coordinators for Polk County and an OSU Professional Faculty Representative, “Youngsters can enter pretty much anything they raise, grow, or create and 4-H will have a category in which they can enter their project!” The fair highlights kids all over the grounds like the horse events that include gaming and a grand entry, as well as daily livestock shows where even the livestock dress up to compete! With this kind of wholesome fun, you won’t want to miss it! So mark your calendar for

this great event. A daily events calendar for this year’s fair is now available on the OSU Polk County website at www.oregonstate.app. box.com/v/FairSchedule. For more information, or to register now to participate in next year’s fair events and program activities, please check out www.co.polk.or.us/fair or call 503-623-8395. 

Eyes on the Prize

See open-class talent and skills on display

the book online, go to www.co.polk. or.us/fair and click on “Annual Fair,” then select “2023 Fair Exhibitor Book from the left side menu.

Multiple entries by a single individual that meet all requirements are welcome. Carolyn Boldt, superintendent for youth arts and crafts, says, “They could do 30 pieces of artwork as long as they use different media and different subjects.” What makes open-class divisions so exciting is that anyone can participate. Just show up with your exhibit for intake Aug. 7 or

BY PATTI JO BROOKS

Polk County Fair hosts one of the best open-class exhibitors divisions you’ll find in any county in Oregon. The success of this program stems from the active participation of county residents as well as the organization and structure provided by the Polk County Fair. Any member of the community who’s lived in Polk County for at least 30 days is invited to enter Open Class exhibits and share their unique talents with the community through the spotlight of the Polk County Fair. Divisions cover grains, honey, fruits, forestry, nuts and veggies, floriculture and foods, arts and crafts, textiles, photography, fine arts and poetry. Each division, which is

and lots, is charged to volunteer superintendents who oversee the respective division entries. Anything produced by a resident of Polk County over the last year is eligible as long as it falls within the openclass rules and guidelines laid out in the 2023 fair exhibitor book. To find

8 (as designated in the 2023 Fair Exhibitor Book per division). Volunteers are always needed as well, and what better way to give back to your community.

Superintendents and their volunteers head into a whirlwind fair week beginning with exhibit intake on Monday or Tuesday where entries are documented, collected and tagged for judging. Superintendents are likewise responsible for setting up and displaying entries for the Fair’s opening on Wednesday as well as remaining onsite during the Fair’s open hours. They also oversee and protect their division entries, making sure each is carefully preserved. “We watch over everything and make sure nothing just walks off,” says Cynthia Villwock, superintendent of

Cynthia points out that this division even has categories for costumes and repurposing. If you created a Halloween costume for your kiddo or maybe used dish towels to design curtains, “That is an entry!” she says.

Other members of this year’s superintendents team include Deb Darr (grains, honey and forestry); Helen McCann (fruits, nuts, veggies); Joscelyn Welshons

(floriculture); Kathy and Brian King (foods); Heather Wilson (crafts).

In addition to award ribbons, each division has special awards and/or special contests, such as “Queen of the Kitchen,” that offer monetary prizes. These prizes are sponsored by local businesses and community members and are handed out on the stage on Saturday.

Come and gather together with neighbors and friends at this year’s Polk County Fair. Enter your own open-class exhibit or browse and appreciate the talents of your neighbors. It’s the community-wide participation that makes the Polk County Fair so great. “We’re just a little county fair, so it’s like family,” Cynthia says. “It’s a community fair celebrating Polk County.” 

•

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Misty and the Sandman

Magic, hypnosis, comedy and more

BY ANGIE HELVEY

County fairs are a place to find unlimited amounts of fried foods, thrilling rides that rearrange your insides, games of skill that can win you a three-foot tall teddy bear, and, if you’re really lucky, some mind-bending oddities guaranteed to fascinate and entertain even the most skeptical fairgoers.

This year at the Polk County Fair, prepare to be captivated by the incredible talents of comedy hypnotists “Misty and the Sandman.”

Alan Sands has magic in his blood. His father, George Sands, started his career as a magician in the 1940s and was a creative force in the world of magic. “My father wrote a rope trick that has been performed by everyone, from David Copperfield to Dick Cavett,” Alan says. “Many of the routines I use came from my father, developed over time to be more current.”

The performance includes some extraordinary stunts, magic tricks, escapes, mentalism and a lot of zany-prop comedy. “I call the show

hypnotized — Alan and his partner, Misty Knight, are both certified hypnotists. They will invite a group of people from the audience on stage to experience hypnosis firsthand and demonstrate the power of the mind to everyone watching. “Being hypnotized is like going to the movies,” explains Misty. “You go to a movie and allow yourself to experience it. This is a movie of the mind, and the volunteers become the stars of the show.”

Misty and Alan give the volunteers hypnotic suggestions. “It’s like a waking dream. However, I direct their daydreams. They might feel like it’s a hot summer day or like a cold breeze is coming,” Misty says. “They might play air guitar, get tickled, or laugh. It’s all about having fun!”

Alan is also a steampunk aficionado and will make his grand entrance with a fully-restored 1927 Model T and trailer, vinyl-wrapped steampunk and filled with strange and unusual antiques like old steamer trunks, radios, cameras, lamps and more. Steampunk is a style and aesthetic inspired by 19th-century steam-powered machinery with a retrofuturistic or fantasy world theme. It’s a fun and exciting backdrop and adds another

level of fantasticality to the show.

Alan and Misty both love entertaining crowds and spreading laughs. Misty ran a clinical hypnosis clinic for 14 years and helped countless people stop smoking, lose

weight and more. “Our minds are so powerful, and I like the ability to use entertainment to expose a wider variety of people to the power of hypnosis,” Misty says. “I also just love helping people have a good

time!” Misty will also be doing tarot card readings. “Tarot cards all depict an experience or lesson we need to learn in life, and the cards we draw on that day will bring that to light.”

Alan has been an entertainer and performer in one aspect or another for his entire life. “People need entertainment. I love doing a good show that makes people laugh,” he says. “And it’s very reciprocal because when I can do that for people, I’m getting a high from it, too. When both of you get a reward from the experience, there’s nothing better.”

When you visit the fair this year, take a selfie with the steampunk Model T and the collection of oddities, and you’ll know Misty and the Sandman are on the scene. Join them for an enthralling and hilarious performance of magic and hypnosis that is sure to delight people of all ages. 

As a homegrown public servant, I’ve seen the strength of our people and place, and it’s taught me that there’s nothing we can’t accomplish together. I’d love to hear from you.

www.paulevans.org

House District 20 is made up of Monmouth, Independence, and parts of West and South Salem.

I serve on committees that impact all Oregonians, so even if you’re not a constituent, I welcome you to reach out.

POLK COUNTY FAIR 2023

Sponsors

Rodeo

Wild Horse Real Estate – Tory Boline

West Valley Hospital/Salem Health

Brandt’s Sanitary Service

Marr Bros. Inc

Pratum Co-Op

Linn Benton Tractor

Capitol Chevrolet

Mid-Columbia Bus Company

KRKT Radio

Heritage Tractor Pull

Jon Golly Trucking

L & L Equipment

Rickreall Farm Supply Stage

Les Schwab Tire of Dallas, Independence & West Salem

Kids Area

Partnership in Community Living Inc.

Polk Productions

Citizens Bank of Dallas

Valley Recycling and Disposal

DC Electric

Salem Electric

Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace

Home Comfort Inc. of Dallas

Front Gate

Solid Rock Trucking & Excavating LLC

MINET – Willamette Valley Fiber

Livestock Show & Auction Arena

N & S Tractor

Wilco

Chemeketa Polk Center

Valley Ag

Choo Choo Train

Old Mill Feed & Seed

Foods Area

Dutch Bros of Dallas & Monmouth

Youth Premiums 4-H/

FFA & Open-Class

Kings Pumping

Independence Hotel

Wall Insurance

Polk County Farm Bureau

Fair Trailer

Wagers RV & Consignment

Admission Thursday 10 am to 2 pm

Willamette Health Council

Historical AFFair

Decades of delight and memories

piles of lumber and continued activity indicate that much work yet remains to be done.”

Still, the racetrack itself was “in splendid condition,” the writer noted, and the 2,400-square-foot pavilion for the display of merchandise, ag products, and machinery was said to be “well filled.” The races opened for the first time Sept. 20, 1892, despite a “fine rain” that muddied the track and slowed performances for the more than 60 horses and riders.

Dog racing was soon added, as the Polk County track joined the circuit of the Portland Speed and Driving Association in 1893. The weather was much more cooperative that year, newspapers of the day recorded.

BY TYLER FRANCKE

It’s the highlight of every August in Polk County, and has been for over a century. I’m talking, of course, about the Polk County Fair, the crown jewel of the Dallas area’s summer events calendar, and a source of fun, nostalgia, fond memories, and guilty-pleasure food.

But before the mind-bending taste configurations of the food court, before the bright lights and bucking broncs, there was simply the Polk County Fair: A few prize pumpkins, some vegetables and pies, maybe a school project or two from a local youngster — and the chance to celebrate a well-spent summer of hard work and labor.

The roots of the Polk County Fairgrounds go deep. The first fair, described as a “meeting of the Polk County Fair Association,” was staged in mid-September 1892

and Monmouth on grounds built for the occasion. The highlight of the event in those days were horse races, and the Polk County Fair Association spent more than $8,000 to purchase the land and build the track, 70 stables, stalls, water tanks, fencing, and a grandstand capable of accommodating 2,500 people. A reporter for The Oregonian visited the site 130 years ago on opening day and recounted it this way:

“In company with J.W. Kirkland, the president of the association, your correspondent visited the grounds and the busy scene augurs well for the success of the first meeting,” he wrote. “Although a large force of carpenters and laborers has been at work for

“The weather has been delightful, the attendance large and the gate receipts very satisfactory,” a reporter noted on Sept. 24, 1893. “Today’s races were the best of the [fair]. There were five on the programme, and from noon until 6 o’clock, nothing dragged.”

Dignitaries at the 1893 Fair included Multnomah County Clerk T.C. Powell, Oregon State Printer Frank C. Baker, Customs Collector T.J. Black, and U.S. Marshal Grady, then a well-known lawman. The following year, he’d find himself at the center of a colorful episode spanning several days in which he

confronted more than 500 members of “Coxey’s Army,” a group protesting widespread unemployment and the Panic of 1893, that illegally occupied a railyard in Troutdale.

By 1907, the Fair had relocated northwest to Dallas and absorbed a new element: the School Children’s Fair, featuring more than 1,200 exhibits from local youngsters.

“It is not often that school children have the honor of a whole County Fair to themselves, but so it was in the Polk County Fair just held at Dallas,” The Oregonian recounted. “This is the second fair held by these wide-awake boys and girls, each time with splendid results. So beautiful a display of vegetables, flowers, canned fruits and jellies, and sewing of all classes that the many visitors concluded that Polk County produced splendid crops and still more splendid boys and girls.”

Still another element was added in 1912, one that’s a head-scratcher as to its delayed arrival. Prior to that year, all agricultural exhibits at the then-called “Polk County Harvest Festival” had been only of the floral variety. This, despite Polk County being home to nearly one-third of the state’s livestock, particularly Angora goats, causing the area to recognized as the “mohair center of the world,” according to The Oregonian. The

also featured a major “aeroplane” exhibit and several flyovers by expert aviators.

The stocks sold in 1913 were used to build a new fairgrounds in Dallas, and a new barn and pavilion were added in 1924 on land donated by the city. The nomadic event was relocated again in 1938 to Monmouth, where it was held in a tent next to City Hall for two years, before being moved yet again, this time to the grandstand of the Oregon State College of Education — its home until 1952.

The Fair’s present 20-acre site in Rickreall was purchased by H.A. Dempsey and George Esau in 1949. The main exhibit building and first barn were constructed in 1953, in

time for that year’s Fair, which was held in August.

The grounds would continue to expand and evolve over the decades. Throughout the years, the history of the Polk County Fair is one of an event and a place that continues to grow, improve, and change with the times. But it is also a story of good people recognizing the value of hard work and agriculture, and coming together as a community to celebrate life’s blessings and accomplishments. And that is a story with no end.

Cowabunga!

TMNT actor ‘shells’ out for fans

BY DENNIS MCNABB

Mikey, your favorite, funloving Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle is coming to the Polk County Fair!

You heard that right, folks, and age is of no consequence when it comes to having a good time. Whether you’re 15 or 55, whether you grew up on the original comics and movies, or you ninja-kicked your way somewhere in-between, there isn’t a single one among us who doesn’t look back on the turtles’ reign with a wistful smile and a nod. The Turtles are as popular now as they’ve ever been, and this year we’ve got one coming to the fair!

Jason Ybarra is an actor you may be familiar with even if you don’t instantly recognize his name. If you watched the ‘90s hit TV show, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, you may know him very well since he played both the Red Ranger and also Baboo, one of the chief villains. He is an incredible guy — passionate, dedicated and extremely hard-

working, and he has maintained a presence in the industry ever since.

A little over 10 years ago, Jason contacted a top-quality costume designer in California to have an exact replica made of the Michelangelo turtle suit and started wearing it to local birthday parties, fairs and events. It was such a hit, he

This year, at our very own Polk County Fair, Jason will be here in costume as Michelangelo, walking the fairgrounds, talking to guests and posing for photos. This is truly a labor of love for Jason, and it shows. He is the genuine article: fun, funny and full of fantastic stories about The Power Rangers, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and all kinds of other Hollywood heroes.

made it official, and started taking “the show” on the road. He also expanded to include a retrofitted TMNT Van, and even hooked up with his old pal, Vanilla Ice, to regularly perform the “Ninja Rap” during the “I Love the ’90s Tour.”

So, if you see him walking around, don’t play coy. Don’t pretend to be “too old.” No one is too old for The Turtles! Instead, grab a slice of your favorite pizza, stroll up to him, yell “Cowabunga, dude!” and get a great photo.

Follow Jason on Instagram: @jasonybarraofficial. 

Come See Us!

2023 Fair Vendors

FOOD BOOTHS

Corndog Convoy

Backyard Burgers

S&J The Original Oriental

Sweet Dreams Kettle Korn

The Dawg House

West Salem Lions

Oregon Beverage Beverage

G-Gourmet Events

Inside BOOTHS

$5.00 Paparazzi Jewelry

All That Glitters - Color Street Nails

Healthy Home Cooking Carico International

Chemeketa Polk Center

Damsel in Defense

For Keeps — Permanent Jewelry

Friends of Paul Evans

Gideons International

Haugen’s Galleri

Home Comfort

Medicare Tyme

Neverstill Boutique

Polk Soil & Water District/ OSU Extension Activity Booth

Paper Pie — Formerly Usborne Books

PeeDee Women’s Club

Polk County Museum Display

Willamette Health Council/Polk Co. Public Health

Polk County Republican Party

Renewal by Andersen

Star Guy

Wild Horse Real Estate OUTSIDE

BOOTHS

Cactus Ranch Boutique

Child Evangelism Fellowship of Polk County

Knights of Columbus — Bingo Booth

Maui Melts

Mid Columbia Bus Co

Mossy Goat Farm

Oregon Depatment of Revenue & BOLI

The Outbuilding

Polk County Behavioral Health

Polk County Environmental Health

Ready Yeti LLC — Candy Booth

SERVPRO

TLC Farm Girl Creations

Kids Area Booths

Aunt Toni’s Face Painting

Dallas Community School STEAM Machine

Oregon Army National Guard

US Marine Corps

Portland Drone Racing

SW Polk Fire District - Obstacle Course

Polk County Sheriff Booth

Mason’s Child ID Booth

Robotics

Steampunk Display

STEAMing Ahead

Science, art and fun collide at the Polk County Fair

BY DENNIS MCNABB

The S.T.E.A.M. Machine returns to the Polk County Annual Fair! Come down to check it out, learn more about the programs offered and participate in some fun, creative activities!

S.T.E.A.M., which stands for science, technology, engineering, art and math, as a movement that began in 2004, it seeks to educate children by engaging their whole minds — both the analytic left hemisphere and the innovative right — when solving problems. They employ various methods of teaching which incorporate handson activities from each of the five areas to ignite children’s creativity, boost their confidence and teach them the importance of working well with others.

Arguments have been made for decades suggesting that the human mind more effectively retains information when critical thinking is implemented. The more senses that can be engaged in the process and the more hands-on the approach the better the understanding of the subject.

The S.T.E.A.M. Machine, brought to us by Dallas Community School, is a mobile makerspace. It is designed specifically to integrate all of these various elements, engage children in fun and exciting educational activities and present it all to them in a unique and convenient way. Instead of having to take everyone on a field trip to OMSI,

they bring all of the science and technology to you!

Originally inspired by the FutureBus, a very similar concept developed by the Beaverton School District, the S.T.E.A.M. Machine has only been in existence since 2020. With COVID shutting everything down shortly thereafter, they’ve barely had a chance to introduce it to the public.

Dallas Community School is thrilled to have a spot at the Fair where kids can come, look at the bus (a repurposed shuttle) and participate in some interesting demonstrations, hands-on arts and crafts activities, and design challenges.

The two big tech gadgets on board, which are the biggest draw, are their 3D printer and laser cutter. While those machines typically take a little

longer to complete projects than what will be available to visitors at the Fair, demonstrations will still show what the bus is capable of under normal circumstances.

On hand during the Fair, there will also be student ambassadors to answer questions and assist with the projects. The idea is not just to help children learn by engaging in the variety of projects onboard

the bus, but also to encourage leadership and confidence so that they can teach others. As corporate America evolves, we are becoming more reliant on technology while simultaneously becoming more reliant on our workforce to understand and manage that technology. These things seem diametrically opposed — science and technology on the one side, and arts

and humanities on the other — but it is exactly where they intersect that the key to success is found.

The S.T.E.A.M. Machine teaches kids to work cooperatively towards common goals, towards finding “the key,” and it teaches them how to do it on their own. After all, it’s usually in trial and error, mistakes and even failure where the answers are found. Rote memorization is only so effective. Although schools continue to teach these methods, there are better ways to learn.

Support your local community by coming to the Polk County Annual Fair, and while you’re there, stop by the S.T.E.A.M. Machine. It promises to ignite imaginations, spark creativity and revolutionize how children learn. 