Beaver tails are a snack found only at the Johnson County Fair.
However, even though a beaver tail may look like an elephant ear, it’s not.
Beaver tails were created in 1982 by the Center Grove Optimists Club. Don Good, a member of the club and a volunteer at the stand since 1984, said the difference between a beaver tail and elephant ear is the way they are made. Beaver tails are made with more yeast to have a fluffier, donut-like texture he said, and elephant ears are crispier.
The idea for the name came from canned ham, which looks like a beaver tail, Good said.
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The first batch of beaver tails is made fresh each morning at the fair, usually with a line of people already forming.
“We could make them the night before, but we want to make sure it’s done right.” Good said.
The stand is expected to make around 3,000 beaver tails by the end of the fair this year.
They typically make $12,000 to $13,000 each year, Good said. All the money goes toward helping Johnson County youth. The group donates the money to various causes, such as funding two scholarships, Shop with a Cop, Boy Scouts, Eagle Scouts projects and anything else that involves helping young people.
“This is the only fair you can get a beaver tail at,” Good said.
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Today
8:30 a.m.: Baby Contest, Indoor Arena.
11:30 a.m.: 4-H and Open Class exhibits open.
12 p.m.: Jurassic Kingdom Dinosaur Show, east of Fitzpatrick Hall.
1 to 5 p.m.: Poor Jack Amusements Kiddie Day on the Midway, $15 unlimited ride bracelet.
2 p.m.: Jurassic Kingdom Dinosaur Show, east of Fitzpatrick Hall.
4 to 6 p.m.: Free stage: Matt Blevins Interactive.
4 p.m.: 4-H Awards Program, Indoor Arena.
5 to 8 p.m.: Cooking demonstrations, Farm Bureau Building.
5 p.m.: Jurassic Kingdom Dinosaur Show, east of Fitzpatrick Hall.
6 to 11 p.m.: Poor Jack Amusements Weekend Madness on the Midway, $25 unlimited ride bracelets.
6 p.m.: Farmers Olympics, Indoor Arena
Corn on the Cob Eating Contest with KORN Country,
6:30 to 10 p.m.: Gospel music in the Christian Music Tent, north of Scott Hall.
7 p.m.: Demolition Derby, $10 adults, $5 kids, Grandstands.
Horseshoe pitching, west of Fair Office.
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.: Free stage: Tony Walker and The 2nd Half Band.
9 p.m.: Scott, Magill and Fitzpatrick Halls close
Dark: Fireworks, shooting off from northwest corner of the fairgrounds.
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