GREENFIELD — Those who set up blankets and camp chairs along the route for the annual Hancock County 4-H Fair parade expect to see a variety of tractors spanning the history of American agriculture.
What was less expected this year was the addition of an unmanned aerial vehicle, or drone, piloted by 4-H’ers on the float of the Clip-Clop Clovers 4-H Club.
Parade-goers exclaimed at the sight of the small, buzzing device, brightly lit and armed with a GoPro camera.
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Some 42 entrants, including businesses, nonprofit organizations and local first responders, registered to participate in the fair parade this year, though there are always a few last-minute entrants, said parade organizer Barb Pescitelli. The parade continued in its new time slot of 6 p.m. Saturday, which Pescitelli said people have loved.
“It was cooler outside and we felt like we could get more people in,” she said. “Having the parade later also gives the color guard an opportunity to rest between the horse show and the parade.”
Members of the Hancock County Color Guard helped lead the way, following right behind first-responders from Greenfield Police Department and Greenfield Fire Territory.
While the parade included farm equipment from vintage tractor enthusiasts, including a 1970 Farmall 1456 diesel tractor from the Hancock County Antique Tractor Collectors’ Club, and shiny new combines towering over the crowd, the contest within the parade encouraged competitors to embrace their favorite circus decorations.
This year’s theme for the 4-H clubs competing was “Under the Big Top,” which clubs played to with imagery of clowns, circus tents and more. Winners of the parade contest had not been announced by press time.
The Shakin’ Shamrocks 4-H Club combined education and entertainment, decorating their float with circus facts about the town of Peru, Indiana, known as the Circus Capital of the World. Members also dressed up as sideshow acts, including a bearded lady.
The Hancock County Rabbit Club began putting together its float about two hours before the parade began, said club vice president Emma Arthur. The club has a longstanding tradition of participating in the parade, which is not a requirement for county clubs.
One club made its return to the parade after taking a three-year break.
Patty’s Pak, led by Tristan Balch, entered its float into the parade contest this year, kick-starting its participation after losing several 10-year members, Balch said.
Patty’s Pak, founded by Patty Paxton in 1985, is a younger club now, Balch said, with about 20 active and many inactive members.
Anabelle Balch, 18, this year a 10-year 4-H’er, said it was exciting to help restart the tradition for her club.
“It’s so fun to get our group together, have fun and throw candy at the crowd,” she said.
Other returning crowd-pleasers included the Madison County Shrine Club, the Anderson-based nonprofit group who drive tiny cars in tight formations through the parade route. The group raises money to send sick children to Shriner’s hospitals in Cincinnati, Ohio, Lexington, Kentucky and Chicago, according to information provided by the club.
Pescitelli said the parade went smoothly and was well-attended, with a large crowd especially at the beginning of the parade route at the intersection of Park Avenue and Apple Street.
“We couldn’t have asked for better weather or better participants,” she said. “Hancock Health was our sponsor this year, and they had such a great turnout of people who came to walk with their float, it was just awesome.”
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Today’s Hancock County 4-H Fair schedule
8 a.m.-12 p.m.: Sheep and goat arrival
10 a.m.: Exhibit Hall open
10 a.m.-close: Tractor Supply Company: Follow Us to the Fair Tour 2018, north of Show Arena
12 p.m.: Mini 4-H Beef Show, Show Arena
12 p.m.: Goat weigh-in
1 p.m.: Sheep weigh-in
2 p.m.: 4-H Beef Show, Show Arena
5 p.m.: Carnival opens
5 p.m.: Commercial vendors open
6 p.m.: 4-H Beef Show of Champions and Showmanship, Show Arena
7 p.m.: 4-H Companion Pet Showmanship, West Arena
7 p.m.: Youth Pedal Pull, 4-H Bowl
7 p.m.: Donkey Extravaganza, Multipurpose Arena
7 p.m.: Entertainment by Musicality Arts, Pioneer Building
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