2011 National Junior Shorthorn Show

Attending a cow competition is a lot more fun - and eventful- than I would have ever imagined. While watching the Livestock Judging Contest, I was transported into another world, where everyone wore blue jeans and even the smallest child knew what made a cow a winner.

At 8:00 a.m., the National Junior Shorthorn Show of 2011 is in full swing. Booths selling pancakes, jewelry, posters, kids' activities and more surrounded a white fence and the main arena area. Participants of other classes and family members lined up around the inside of the white fence to get the best possible look. Heifers and their owners stood stoically, proudly showing off their cows to the audience and judges.

What might surprise you is that this isn't just a show involving heifers and steers, there are many other things to do at the national competition. Since its start date on June 27, there have been contests for art, promotional posters, photography, speech, quiz bowl and even a beef cook-off.

This national show even has its own version of a pageant, in which candidates fight for the title of being Lassie Queen.

This six-day competition draws in people from all over the country. 23 states are being represented this year -including Florida, Minnesota, South Dakota and Texas.

And what makes a cow a winner? Judges say the cow worth the most profit based on strength and muscles will reign supreme.

For more info: http://bit.ly/iIllH4

Posted by: Tanya Gabrish

Douglas David Paints "Farm to Fair"

The more I get to know Indiana artist Douglas David, the more I am impressed with his passion, talent and dedication.

He has won numerous awards for his paintings from Indiana Arts Commission, Lilly Endowment, Hoosier Salon and the Kokomo Art Association and his work has hung at the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Richmond Museum of Art.

I was especially impressed with the discovery that Douglas David's artwork had been used as Indiana's license plate.

Douglas's design for the 2003-2008 Indiana license plate beat out 1400 entries and was chosen by popular vote to grace Indiana vehicles for five years..impressive!



Now, Douglas will put on a one-man show entitled "Farm to Fair," for the 2011 Indiana State Fair. Douglas's show will feature 60 of his amazing paintings, which all have been created exclusively for the fair. And let me tell you, each and every painting is fabulous.

Douglas began painting for this show on March 1st and hasn't stopped since. He is currently wrapping up his last few paintings and is thrilled about the upcoming show.



“I am excited to show almost a million people my interpretation of the fair,” said artist Douglas David. “My art will be important to people simply because they are Hoosiers.”

The show will be hung in the upper level of the magnificent Normandy Barn and will be open for all seventeen days of the fair.

"One Mic, Many Sounds"

If you've ever been curious about different music styles, the Diversity Music Fest is the event to attend! The Indiana Minority Business Magazine (IMBM) and Daddy Real Entertainment presents a concert that will satisfy all audiences, with its artists representing various genres, including jazz, Latin, pop, rock, country, gospel and R & B.

This concert is a unique event, offering audiences the one-of-a-kind opportunity to hear a variety of music under one roof. In fact, this concert is one of the few events of its kind in the Midwest. You must be 21 to attend and the concert is being held at the Indiana State Fair Blue Ribbon Pavilion, so you know it will be a good time! I personally have never attended a concert like this before, and I'm saddened that I will not get the chance to go.

This is a chance to see some of Indy's most talented artists for the great price of $11 ($26 for VIP), people! Perhaps the best thing about this concert is that the Diversity Music Fest will not only provide diverse bands, it will feature GOOD bands.

The concert line up boasts seven of Indy's top bands, including country group "Wildheart" and rock group "Remedy." Other bands include: Lamar Campbell and Spirit of Praise (gospel); Rob Dixon (jazz); Banda Pluma Blanca (Latin); Kontraband Muzik (pop) and Blue Soul Band (R&B).


Even though I can’t make it, I sure hope you can. Then write me back with your review. I’ll be anxious to hear what you thought.

For more information, visit http://bit.ly/lediyj

What Better Way to kick off the Year of Soybeans than with Food!

It’s that time again. Time to start thinking about this year’s fair and all that comes with it. That includes all the tasty food! Today was the Indiana State Fair Signature Food Contest, and I was lucky enough to be there to watch and even taste. Since this year is putting Soybeans in the spotlight, each food entry utilized soybeans in different ways. From the feed fed to the cattle, tofu and soybean oil, it was a great way to showcase the versatility of the bean.

The contest started with the first round of judging from a panel that included First Lady Cheri Daniels, Indiana State Fair Queen Sara Alford and others who taste tested each and gave their input. From there, the fate of the winner is put in the hands of readers of the Indianapolis Star. It is there you can read up on all 5 of the entries and go vote for your favorite.

Look for the story and for voting to begin June 17 and you can continue to vote up until July 1. The winner – announced July8 – is named THE food of the fair will get bragging rights as well as a prime vending spot of Main Street during the fair!

Submitted by Julie Woodward