As is the case every year, the Fair will feature a number of classes during the week, for kids and kids of all ages (although it is recommended that you check the description before sending your youngest down to class—you’ll see what I mean!).  There are a range of interests and activities covered this year, with some new and certainly intriguing entries.

Live Demonstration of Chicken Processing

Wednesday, August 13 4:30 North of Betting Booths

Okay, I know what you’re thinking.  Nevermind—I can’t even guess what you’re thinking.  I made Donna explain this to me several times after she told me the name.  Premium Meat Co and Butcher Homestead are sponsoring a live presentation that “will encompass the entire series of steps involved in turning a live chicken raised for the purpose of consumption into a finished meat product ready for sale.”  According to the event organizers, the process “will include dispatch, dressing, chilling, and packaging from start to finish.  Processing will be humanely conducted by a USDA certified butcher.”  Fresh processed chicken will be available for sale.  Information about the equipment used during the demonstration, which is available for rental, will be provided.  Earlier when I mentioned reading the description before determining whether this would be suitable for your child, this was the one.  While of course the process won’t be completely bloodless, the intention is educational and practical.  How often does an opportunity like this really come up, after all?  

Ghost Preserves

Thursday, August 14 4:30 p.m. on the East Patio

This project involves the creation of a Halloween scene inside a jar.  According to the instructors, “you’ll need $2 and a Wide Mouth quart jar with a lid and ring—we’ll provide the rest.”  Think of it as something like a ship in a bottle, except that instead of a bottle it’s a jar, and instead of a ship it’s a ghost and instead of thinking, just do it.

Fantasy Art

Friday August 15 2:30 and Saturday August 16 at 2:30

Ada Campbell will be running classes on what you might think of as prop or physical art creation, based in fantasy concepts.  Friday’s class will involve making colored containers of “potions” on the east patio.  Saturday’s class will give participants a chance to create their own treasure maps in the fantasy art style.   For both classes, supplies will be provided.  Come down and exercise a create bone or two!