There is a moment at nearly every county fair when you can see what months of work look like. It might be a 4-H member guiding an animal into the show ring, answering a judge’s questions about a project or standing beside an exhibit that began as little more than an idea. The ribbons and awards are easy to see. What is harder to capture are all the hours that came before them: the practice, mistakes, responsibility, problem-solving and determination required to get there.

Pumpkin treats, apple cider, homemade baked goods and hearty bowls make October a delicious time to explore southeastern Indiana. There is something about October that makes us hungry for the season. Maybe it is the first roadside display piled high with pumpkins and gourds. Maybe it is the smell of barbecue drifting across a farm, a cup of fresh cider on a cool afternoon or something warm simmering in a kettle. Or perhaps it is a homemade pie, cake or cookie made from