LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Ice cream churned with the help of John Deere hit-n-miss motors was a big hit at the Kentucky State Fair again, for the seventh year.

 

And, because it always has been, the Newton family of Elizabethtown, Ky., added a food truck this year – Newton’s Farm to Table Grille.

“This was the first event for the food truck and it went great,” said owner Ray Newton. “We use all fresh meat – beef, pork, chicken – nothing frozen.”

As for the ice cream, he said his son, Zac, runs that part of the business, and comes up with the exotic flavors offered. “We don’t buy anything commercial in terms of the flavoring for our ice cream. We put up our own strawberries, peaches – no artificial flavors. And everything is made on-site,” he explained.

The state fair is the only fair at which the Newtons sell their wares, although he said they set up at a few events closer to home. “As a rule, we don’t do a lot; we just don’t have the time.” Together with his wife, Marlene, and Zac, Newton raises beef cattle. He also owns a trailer business, and Marlene owns a Merle Norman.

“We stay busy,” he said. Newton also noted the family farm belongs to Kentucky Proud, the trademarked brand for Kentucky’s agricultural products grown and produced in the Commonwealth. It is the marketing identity of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. “We’ve probably been members since it’s been in existence. We’re a big supporter, and it’s a good promoter for us,” he explained.

He said they have about six close relatives who help out during the fair and nearly 30 more employees to keep both food booths open during the entire 10-day run.

“We have the same ones come back every year. Most of them live in E-town (Elizabethtown). We’re very family-oriented,” Newton said. “Of course we want to make money, but we’re not here just for the money – we take pride in what we do.”