Little Farmer’s Barn a hit in its first year

By all accounts the debut of the Little Farmer’s Barn was a big success at this year’s Dodge County Free Fair.
The barn had an official grand opening Wednesday afternoon and little Austin Pearson of Mantorville had the honor of being the very first visitor.
Located in the old fine arts building, the Little Farmer’s Barn is an interactive and creative activity that aims to teach youngsters 10 and under about agriculture and horticulture.
With the help of a legacy grant from the state, Kelly Caspers and her sister Julie Jorgenson were able to get the attraction ready for the fair.
Activities included a milking cow station, corn and soybean pits to play in, a little hen house, picnic tables where youngsters could color, an area where they learned about bees and other attractions.
It was busy every day but certainly a favorite spot of the youngsters on Day Care/Family Day.
One special event on Day Care/Family day allowed the children to actually paint designs on the kid-sized picnic tables outside the building.
The Little Farmer’s Barn will be back next year but it turns out youngsters will not have to wait that long to enjoy the activities.
Wet weather this year caused several grandstand events to be cancelled including the stock car races, demo derby and trailer races.
The Fair Board has designated Aug. 3 and 4 as Dodge County Fair 2.0 with the races and demo derby rescheduled.
In addition to the races and concessions, the Little Farmer’s Barn will also be open.