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Static exhibits connect families
Two static exhibitors connect with their families through their projects
MT. PLEASANT — While many 4-H and FFA students throughout the county choose to show animals at the Henry County Fair, many others take the opportunity to show off other skills in the static exhibit portion of the fair.
During this portion of the fair, exhibitors show off their talents through projects which could include many categories such as animal science, entomology, home grounds improvement, music, photography, child development, clothing and fashion, food and nutrition, sewing, personal development and many others.
Carly Mullin, a member of the Wayne Soil Savers, actually does not show any animals at the fair. Instead, she spends her time with static entries and helping her dad Jason Mullin, a member of the fair board, with events like the pedal pull.
This year, Carly decided to submit her Great Grandma Helen Mullin’s cookies.
“My great grandma is no longer able to make them,” she said. “She is 86 and she’s in a nursing home.”
According to Carly, her great grandma taught her how to make the cookies a couple of years ago and this year, she wanted to “do something for her and make her happy.”
After making the cookies, Carly made sure to stop by and see Great Grandma Helen.
“We took pictures with her, and she was very happy,” Carly shared.
Carly did more than make Great Grandma Helen happy. She received state fair consideration for her project and made her parents proud, as well.
“Words can’t describe how proud I am of you and your perseverance to perfect Great Grandma Helen’s cookies,” Carly’s mom Tara Moon Mullin said as she gushed about her on Facebook. “ … This mama is on Cloud Nine.”
Much like Carly, New London Pioneers member Landon Lair found inspiration for his static exhibit submission from family.
According to his report accompanying his large iron-wheel desk, Landon decided to pursue this project for his dad.
“My dad recently started a new excavating business, and he really wanted a new desk at which he could both stand and sit,” Landon wrote. “He’s not extremely tall, around 5’9,” and he prefers to stand or sit on a stool when working.“
With consideration for how his dad likes to work and intent on meeting these needs, Landon set to work with his uncle, who runs his own sawmill to complete the project.
“ … we enjoy working on projects together …” Landon included in his report.
The finished desk and accompanying report earned Landon an Outstanding Exhibit Award in Science and Engineering/Ag and Natural Resources from Henry County Fair judges.
“Report is nearly ready for the state fair,” Judge Ron Bower wrote in his comments about Landon’s project.
In Landon’s report, he explained his purpose behind creating the desk.
“Outstanding job, your passion is evident through all of your hard work,” another judge wrote about Landon’s desk. “Keep it up!”
Some of the other state-fair-worthy static exhibits include a pig made from southeast Iowa yard sticks by Morgan Meyer, an intricate art piece by Ella Kann, and a refinished desk by Kara Campbell, though many other exhibits also made the cut.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
