GreatNews.Life Student Voices: The Porter County Fair wraps up in Morgan Townshi

What’s recently happened?

The Porter County Fair ended on Saturday, July 26 and was filled with excitement from beginning to end.

Before the fair started, however, the Miss Porter County Fair Queen Pageant was held. Mackenzie Wassermann was crowned as Miss Porter County Fair Queen for 2025. Elysia Gast, a class of 2025 Morgan Township High School (MTHS) graduate, was her runner-up, followed by Madalyn King as her second runner-up. Abigail Wilson, another class of 2025 MTHS graduate, was crowned as both Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic.

“This experience has opened up so many opportunities for new friendships, leadership positions, and allowed me to become even more involved within my community,” Gast said. “I am forever grateful for this opportunity and for those who supported me along the way.”

During the fair, countless 4-H projects were judged by dedicated community members. These projects ranged from photography to collections to herpetology. The wide variety of projects was displayed at the 4-H building for all visitors to see.

Indiana residents over 18 were also able to submit projects in various categories, such as horticultural and creative arts, in the open class exhibits. The open class exhibits were displayed in the Porter County Expo Center.

However, the Porter County Fair wouldn’t have been complete without its various entertainment events, both musical and other. One of the largest concerts at the fair this year was the Ludacris performance on Friday, July 18.

The Porter County Fair is one of Morgan Township’s most important events, and people across Porter County are brought together by its shows, rides, food, and other opportunities such as 4-H and the open class exhibits.

What’s coming up?

School is beginning for the 2025-2026 school year at MTHS this August. On August 13, students will be back for another great year of being a Morgan Cherokee.

To prepare for the upcoming school year, students are invited to set up their lockers on August 7-8 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. New student orientation will be on August 7 from 6-8 p.m. With the start of school comes the start of several school extracurriculars, such as sports and service-based clubs.

The start of school at MTHS isn’t the only major event taking place this August. Several other events are taking place at the Porter County Expo Center, including the Sheriff Slamboree and a fundraiser for the Caring Place and Family House.

The Sheriff Slamboree will feature a pro wrestling event, and will be held to raise money for nonprofits that support victims of domestic abuse and children who have at-risk parents. The Slamboree is sponsored by Porter County Sheriff Jeff Balon.

The Sheriff Slamboree is not only limited to pro wrestling. It is a family event that will have a live band and a show for First Responder vehicles. The Slamboree will be held on August 16 from 5-10 p.m at the Porter County Expo Center, and welcomes anyone in Porter County to come and join in on the fun.

Community member spotlight:

Stacy King is the 4-H leader for the Morgan Sodbusters. She is deeply involved with the Morgan Township community, and a helping hand to all.

“I have been a 4-H leader for 13 years. I have also helped with other events for the last 30 years in 4-H,” King said. “I learned about 4-H when I was in school – Rachel Hannon was my 4-H leader. I did a few different projects over the years, but the foods project was my favorite.”

King has volunteered at the Morgan Township Volunteer Fire Department, MTHS, her church, and with the Farm Bureau.

“My advice to people who want to get involved in our community is to go to events, talk to people, and make friends. By doing this, you will see where you can help out,” King said. “Our society today relies too much on social media making opinions based on what they see on social media. We need to stop that. Get out, meet your neighbors, make friends, and get involved in your community.”

King has lived in Morgan Township her entire life, and she graduated from MTHS in 1993. Both her husband and son also attended MTHS, and her son graduated in 2020. King and her family raise Boer goats and cattle on a family farm, but King’s favorite pastimes include gardening, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

“We may not always agree with each other, but that’s life. We always need to support each other. We aren’t just people living in an area; we are extended family and friends that are here for each other,” King said. “My favorite part about Morgan Township is the feeling of home and support. Everyone is involved in each other’s lives, and that is very evident in the way we can come together to support someone or solve a need we have here.”