As a kid growing up in Aurora, I remember that the first weekend in October was the most exciting time of the year next to Christmas.

I can’t remember my first Farmers Fair, because I’m sure I was a 10 month-old baby being carried around on my mother’s hip. As I got older, the appeal was strengthened by the fact that we always got out of school early on the Friday of Farmers Fair weekend.

My schooling began at St. John’s Lutheran School right on Mechanic street in downtown Aurora. When school let out at noon, the festivities were taking place right outside the school, and we were only a block from the midway. It seems like we were given a book of ride tickets at school before we left. (I’m sure our parents must have paid for them, but what did I know of money back then).

The highlight of the fair for me during most of my youth was the rides. There were carnival rides all the way up and down Second Street and part of the way up Main, Mechanic and Bridgeway Streets. From the Tilt-O-Whirl to the Spider and the Giant Ferris Wheel I couldn’t get enough of the rides. But, when I wasn’t on a ride or standing in line for a ride, there were plenty of games to keep me busy.

There were two games that I specifically remember having at least modest success at; popping balloons with darts and tossing a dime onto rotating dishes. I still have a collection of Judas Priest and KISS mirrors as evidence of my success - well, technically I think my parents are the proud caretakers of those treasures.

As I got older, I don’t think I outgrew the rides, but I did find myself spending more time socializing. In high school, having a date for Farmers Fair was almost as important as having a date for the prom. And when many of us went off to college, we knew that all of our high school friends would make it back to Aurora for at least that one weekend.

Farmers Fair serves as a homecoming for former Aurora residents of all ages from all over the country. I know that the former pastor of our church who has since moved to Texas still returns every year for Farmers Fair. He wasn’t originally from Aurora and doesn’t live there any more, but the fair got into his blood and I see that he is listed as “Honorary Director” in this year’s program. So that goes to show that you don’t need to be an Aurora native to let this annual event become a part of you.

On Saturday morning, the biggest day of the fair is kicked off with the annual Farmers Fair Parade. Still one of the largest parades I’ve seen in a small town, there are numerous marching bands from area high schools and middle schools, plus floats entered by many community organizations and groups.

There is so much more to do and see that I can’t begin to list everything, but there are all kinds of exhibits with ribbons and prizes awarded, a pet parade for kids, and live entertainment on the stage for each of the four nights of the fair. And of course there is a Queen contest.

This is something that is really worth your while to visit, whether you’re from the area or this will be your first time visiting. This is not only Indiana’s oldest street festival, but it is definitely one of the best. If you’re looking for a nice weekend excursion this fall, Aurora would be an excellent choice.

The 91st Aurora Farmers Fair will take place From Wednesday through Saturday September 29 - October 2 and is sponsored by the Aurora Lions Club and the Aurora Farmers Fair Association. For more information contact Larry Petty, (812) 926-2176.