By SUSAN BLOWER
Indiana Correspondent

GREENFIELD, Ind. — Whether it’s a 1916 grain elevator with a “man lift,” operated by a rope and pulleys, the latest farm equipment, or a days-old calf, there is a variety of attractions during the Hancock County Farm Festival on Sunday, Sept. 13, 12-5 p.m.

Four different farm operations will be featured on the free self-driving tour: Gem Elevator, For-Lou Farm Dairy, Edwards Farm and Eash Racing Stables, all of Greenfield.

The goal of the festival, sponsored by Purdue Extension Service and Hancock County Extension Board, is to bring together neighbors, especially urban and farm, across the fence and beyond.

The farm festival rotates around the “donut counties” surrounding Indianapolis and draws an estimated 5,000 people each year, said Hancock’s festival chairman, Jan Cochard.

Tight economy

Cochard has a full-time job with IndyTractor in Indianapolis but took on the job of volunteer chairman because he believed in the importance of the project. However, he admits it’s been a big challenge, especially since the budget is smaller than it was seven years ago.

The budget of $12,000 was made up of donations, and materials and manpower were donated as well.

“It has taken a lot of people,” he said, mentioning 4-H and FFA groups who have turned out to clean, paint and spruce up the properties prior to the festival, site managers who have worked alongside the farmers to plan activities, financial and publicity coordinators, among many others.

The tight economy may impact attendance, also, as people increasingly are looking for inexpensive activities for the family.
The event is free and open to the public. Pick any farm and follow the signs. Organizers said this is a non-smoking event and no pets are allowed.

Food is available for purchase at some sites: pork burgers at Gem Elevator, 284 S. 500 W., homemade ice cream and grilled cheese sandwiches at For-Lou Dairy, 2190 W. 200 N., and ribeye sandwiches or hamburgers at Edwards Farm, 1879 W. 300 N. Carriage and pony rides are provided at Eash Racing Stables, 4219 N. 25 W., Greenfield.