Mrs. Zellers’ 19 students each researched a county in Indiana, creating an array of impressive booths and displays for guests of the fair.
(Photo by Alyssa Richardson)

Guests young and old alike filed in yesterday evening at Lincoln Elementary to visit the bi-annual County Fair. A total of 19 students in the third and fourth grades gifted and talented program at Lincoln researched various counties in Indiana and prepared presentations, maps, poems, booths and treats for visitors to enjoy during the fair.

According to teacher Jane Zellers, though a set year for the beginning of the county fair is unknown currently, photos of prior students’ booths date back to 1992, when Janice Torrence, creator of the county fair, oversaw the event.

(Photo by Alyssa Richardson)

Booths were impressively crafted and themed based on notable aspects of each county. Student displays included creating the Montgomery County Jail, complete with a rotating display inside and police uniform; a giant tree reminiscent of Jackson County’s outdoor terrain, complete with tree shaped cookies and a few stuffed animal friends; and a North Pole themed display complete with Mrs. Claus herself in honor of Spencer County, home of Holiday World in the town of Santa Claus.

Students cited numerous reasons for why they picked the respective counties to present. Some have relatives living there or they made their choice based on the name being the same as their own last name. Others simply the locations sounded like fun places to visit.

Many in the class made a special visit for research on their presentation. Souvenirs, visitor’s brochures and even county-themed food samples were offered during the evening.