QUESTION: MODERATOR: Good morning, and welcome to today's chat about the Monroe County Fair that starts up this weekend. We're joined by David Smith, secretary to the Monroe County Fair Board and public information officer for the big annual event.

David: Thanks so much for coming down to the newsroom to talk about this year's Monroe County Fair. Why don't you start by telling us a bit about what folks can expect this year?

DAVID SMITH: Thank you for having me come in. We have many exciting things taking place this year. There is a new Free Stage in the Commercial North area. This provides even more free entertainment for visitors to the fair. We also have IU Sports Night on Thursday when different players and some coaches from the different sports will be in the Auditorium. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

QUESTION: Is there going to be a free bus that we can take to the fair. I do not want to die getting there by walking on the road

bill, bloomington

DAVID SMITH: Last year the Rural Transit came on Monday through Friday. I would suggest you call them to see if they will be providing that service again this year.

QUESTION: Will the antique tractors be allowed to parade them again this year?

Dean, Bloomington

DAVID SMITH: They will have their parade the same as last year. The Tractor Tent has moved to the North side of the Commercial North Area.

QUESTION: How would we go about having an actual car show at the fair one night for next year's fair? The fair flyer says there's a car show on Wednesday, but it turns out it's not a car show.

Mike, Bloomington

DAVID SMITH: If someone wishes to put on a car show, they need to contact the Board in January to get this in place for 2012.

QUESTION: An online comment mentioned that Board members not required to live in Monroe County? Is this true and if so, why? Should they not just join the Board in the county they reside in? Same question for Queen participants.

Bo, Bloomington

DAVID SMITH: This follows the rules for 4-H Exhibitors. They are allowed to show in the county closest to their residence. We have members which live in Greene County and live within 10 miles to the Fairgrounds.

QUESTION: Why is it so difficult to charge the normal gate price and then if people wish to purchase armbands, allow them to do so at the ticket booths? It is unfair and has definitely caused you to lose visitors.

Mike, Bloomington

DAVID SMITH: This is why we sell weekly passes for $15.00. You can come in any night you want with absolutely no hassle. This year there are coupons on the back of the passes which save you even more money.

QUESTION: Why should you have to purchase a week long pass to just enjoy the fair for one evening?

Ray, Bloomington

DAVID SMITH: If you come any night but Monday or Wednesday, It is $5.00 to get in.

QUESTION: Wouldn't the county closest to their residence be the county they live in?

Bo, Bloomington

DAVID SMITH: This is something that was determined by Purdue University which governs 4-H.

QUESTION: Where should a person who gets overheated at the Fair go? Will there be medical personnel there at the Fair?

Lynne, Bloomington

DAVID SMITH: There is a First Aid Station on the grounds which is manned by the Van Buren Fire Department. It is located south of the Shelby County LP Gas Free Stage. The Auditorium and Community Building both have air conditioning as well.

QUESTION: What are some of the news things that will be taking place at the fair this year?

Nice Mike, B-Town

DAVID SMITH: Saturday we will be having an NTPA Truck / Tractor Pull. On Thursday is the IU Sports Night. We have the new Free Stage which allows people to have all kinds of free entertainment. There will be a new food booth this year. It is Mother Bears Pizza located in the north end of the commercial tent.

QUESTION: You have basically said no to getting rid of the armband charge for all who enter but I think the important question that may help us understand is why? What is the rationale for this policy. Maybe if you explained that people would feel differently.

Right now it just kind of seems like you are saying " This is what we are doing, don't like it? Tough."

Bob, Bloomington

DAVID SMITH: This is part of our contract with the carnival company which has been in place for the past ten years. Even though we changed carnival companies last year, this remained in the contract. Most people who do not like the armband nights, either buy a weekly pass or do not come to the Fair those two nights. We know that people either love the two nights or hate them. If you arrive on Monday before 4:00 you do not have to purchase the armband.

QUESTION: The 4H is a huge part of the fair for me. About how much of the efforts of the fair board help 4H effort: the facilities, the judging etc. Or is all of this handled exclusively by the 4H people themselves. There is a lot of community interest in the winners. Does the fair list them all on the fair web site?

Andrea Murray,

DAVID SMITH: The Fair Board provides the facilities, Pays for the judges, pays the premiums for each participant, purchases all the ribbons, and Provides the clubs a building throughout the year to have their meetings. The winners are provided to the public by the HT.

The financial backing for 4-H comes mainly from the Fair Board! We enjoy providing all of this to the 4-H members not only during fair Week but also throughout the year.

QUESTION: MODERATOR: That's all the time we have for today's chat. Thanks for joining us. Be sure to follow our fair coverage on HTO and on Indiana Fairs.

David: Thanks for coming to answer questions. Any closing thoughts or tips before we say goodbye?

DAVID SMITH: Please come out and enjoy the Monroe County Fair. Our motto is this is the place where Friends meet Friends!

Thank you for having me come in.