I decided it was time to partake of a fun summer tradition:  A day at the Indiana State Fair! The theme was Heroes in the Heartland; there was a large Spiderman greeting us at the entrance.

I rarely wear sunscreen so I had to borrow some; the last time I wore it was two years ago when I went canoeing.  (Contrast with the fact that I pretty much need bug spray if I even take the trash out at night.) I thought this would be a good move considering I went to a burger battle a few weeks before and ended up looking almost as pink as some of the fare.

Some things I knew to expect, like tenderloins or lemon shake-ups at every other booth.  But I never was able to find the mac and cheese eggrolls I had read about. I was able to successfully avoid desserts so as to save my calorie allotment for a chicken and waffle sandwich covered in powdered sugar (much of which ended up on my feet and stuck there).

I went to one of those “Guess My Age” booths; you give them $5 and if they don’t come within two years you get a prize.  I did win but it was a hollow victory when it dawned on me that I essentially just bought a cheap toy for $5. I picked a bright green stuffed narwhal and we kept scanning the crowd until we found a cute little kid to give it to.

Pioneer Village was on the agenda as my interest in history goes all the way back to reading the Little House books as a kid.  We watched a demonstration of threshing with an antique piece of machinery (just a guess here, but probably called a thresher).  It was loud, smokey, and we were greeted with a shower of chaff.

It made me realize how I wouldn’t have done well in those days, with my allergies and childhood asthma.  I wasn’t willing to venture into the livestock barns as I was still recovering from a cold and I knew the animal dander would set me off.  I was sad to forego visiting the bunnies.  

But in looking through the antique tractor exhibit, I was pleased to see that six of them came from Hancock County!  I also like to visit the old-time drugstore exhibit. It was fascinating seeing the old bottles of various elixirs. I was thankful that it wasn’t an old doctor or dentist office, complete with rustic implements.

Of course there was music. We particularly enjoyed the brass band dressed in clownish costumes that played on the street.  It was fun to see a couple of little girls dancing with their inflatable unicorns. I taught my friend how to do the Chicken Dance.  (Me: “What? They didn’t do this at every wedding you’ve ever been to?!”)

Without a doubt we were having an amazing time, but I couldn’t help but wonder, what does any of this have to do with Heroes in the Heartland?  No capes, no superpowers—just a bunch of everyday Hoosiers converging at the fair.

Here’s the eureka moment:  Heroes are everywhere, if you just pause long enough to see what’s really going on around you.  They are the guys in the food booth that wasn’t really open yet, but they were willing to go ahead and fix my friend a sandwich.  And they did it while laughing and joking with us, despite their long day ahead.

They were the people dressed in uncomfortable pioneer clothing, educating the crowd about what life was like back then in order to keep a tradition alive.  They were the ones driving the shuttle busses or picking up trash or giving a great performance or volunteering in any number of booths and exhibits.

Who are the true heroes?  Those who put their heart into whatever they undertake, and who work as hard as if what they are doing is the most important thing out there.  Which it might be to someone; your kind words or attention to detail might make all the difference in another person’s day.

Heroes don’t all come in the same form.  Anyone can be a hero to someone. You don’t need superpowers, just determination.  And probably a sense of humor helps too.