Monday Memories: “Talking turkey’ at the Lucas County Fair

County fairs in most places put the spotlight on farm animals, and it was no different in Lucas County in 2001. Not only could children get close to livestock like cows and pigs, they also could practically get beak-to-beak with feathered creatures.

In this Blade Archive photo, Maddie Starr, 8, seems to be having an important discussion with a turkey – perhaps about the best fair food that year. Should she gobble down some fries – or beat the heat with a snow cone? It was hot enough that day to inspire a Blade story about temperatures in the 90s, but exhibitors were able to keep their animals cool using fans, mist-sprayers and baths.

Other big draws included animal demonstrations, carnival rides, tractor pulls, music performances, and the antics of the motorcycle stunt team, Team Extreme. This year’s fair starts Monday and runs through Sunday, July 14, at the fairgrounds on Key Street in Maumee.