MEET ME AT THE FA IR.

• Author: Frazzini, Kevin
• Position: Sine Die - Indiana State Fair

Descendant of Mayflower pilgrims, courier for George Washington, banker, businessman, canal promoter, agriculturist--Elkanah Watson did a bit of everything, and did it well.

When he retired to his small farm in Pittsfield, Mass., in the early 1800s, he noted that local agricultural practices were "antiquated and defective, unscientific and non-progressive."

Surely, we can do better, one can imagine this early American Renaissance man thinking. He brought in new types of cattle and swine and imported two merino sheep, a Spanish breed known for its high-quality wool.

His neighbors were so intrigued by the sheep that Watson put them on display one day in Pittsfield's public square. Crowds of curious farmers--"and even females," Watson noticed--turned out to see what the fuss was about.

The exhibition was a hit, and it gave the resourceful Watson an idea. He suggested his neighbors join him in forming an agricultural society and making the fair a permanent fixture.

The first Berkshire County Agricultural Fair was held on Oct. 1, 1810. The Legislature chartered the county agricultural society the following year, and Watson secured his place in history as the father of a beloved American institution--the state fair.

Indiana State Fair

The Indiana State Fair, which began in 1852, runs through Aug. 20 this year, overlapping with NCSL's Legislative Summit. Besides the livestock competitions and the "Largest Midway in the Midwest," you can see harness racing on the 16th and rodeo action on 17th. And if you stick around till the 18th, you can catch Chicago blues legend Buddy Guy. (Details at indianastatefair.com.)

While you're there, save room for a home-state favorite: the Hot Beef Sundae, an "illusion food" treat devised by Indiana's Beef Cattle Association. The "sundae" is marinated beef layered with mashed potatoes and gravy, instead of vanilla ice cream and hot fudge. It's decorated with cheese and corn "sprinkles" and topped with a cherry tomato.

Curious about other state fair novelties? Read on.

* The oldest: The nation's first...