Undoubtedly educators are receiving additional training in how to do a better job of teaching those who are not the norm among the students entrusted to their care.
It has struck me recently, however, that although the majority of Logan Countians have grown up around here, that we are a very diverse group in our tastes and in what entertains us.
That thought really hit home as I watched those who were enjoying the demolition derby on the Saturday night of the Logan County Fair. They were having a great time watching less-than-perfect vehicles at the beginning of the derby become pulverized tangles and mangles of messed up metal.
While some contemporary artist could probably make a good living by calling bent and broken vehicles "modern art," I guessed that most of those populating the grandstands during the demolition derby probably were not in attendance at Main Street Russellville's Flying Fish Festival, which is billed as a salute to the arts.
On the other hand, lots of arts lovers probably aren't attracted to womanless beauty contest at the Strawberry Festival or the antique tractor pull in Auburn.
From late-April through mid-July, Logan County becomes a Land of Festivals. This year I've been to the Flying Fish Festival, the Strawberry Festival, the Bluegrass Jam, the Antique Tractor and Small Engine Show, the fair, the Fourth of July celebration in Russellville and the Auburn Car Show.
I missed the Purple Martin Festival in Lewisburg this year because during its brief time on the stage, I was attending my son's baseball game in Elkton. People tell me it was much improved this year. It's a great chance for North Loganites to unite and reunite.
While I've enjoyed parts of every event I've attended, there's no reason that everyone has to be involved in all of it or feel guilty for missing some of the events.
The Adairville Strawberry Festival has diversity of its own to attract a wider audience, although the primary appeal is a South Logan homecoming. It has rides, food, beauty, baby and talent contests, a parade, a race, and a week's worth of activities to appeal to a broader spectrum of society.
I admire the small group of dedicated people who work each year to keep it going..
The Flying Fish Festival also tries to present a variety of music and art forms for those with varying tastes. It gets a littler better every year, but many people have not yet discovered it.
The Bluegrass Festival at Auburn's park can be found annually on calendars of people from several states. The two events we have here which draw in the most people without other Logan County ties are the Bluegrass Jam and the Antique Tractor Show, both at Auburn. Add those two events to the car show, Auburn Autumn Days, Blitz football, the antique shops, and the nearby Shaker Museum at South Union, and there's probably not another town in the state the size of Auburn doing more to bring in visitors with disposable income.
Bluegrass music is not for everyone, but the people who crave it are willing to come a long distance to enjoy the music and the fellowship of others with the same tastes.
Otis Bilbrey, the godfather of the Bluegrass Jam, works year-round to make the event a success. And then when the visitors arrive, he works the crowd like a politician and a preacher combined.
The Antique Tractor and Small Engine Show drew a huge crowd this year, maybe the biggest ever. McCutchen-Coke Park was running over with tractor enthusiasts. They come from a long way, bringing huge investments with them. They also spend big bucks while they're going to and from Auburn.
I'm not sure everyone there would enjoy the Louisville Chamber Orchestra if the Arts Commission brings them in, but to the folks who lead the Antique Tractor Club, the purring of a vintage engine or the "Johnny Popper" of a restored John Deere is beautiful music.
It would have been easy to let the fair die. It almost did when competition from Opryland and Kentucky Kingdom made the carnival seem outdated and when most of the Legionnaires who had kept it going got some years on them.
Some folks wouldn't let it die, however, people like Mike and Joyce Gilliam, Ben Ferguson and John Ferris. The fair's not what it used to be, but it still is a part of life in the Land of Logan. It's clean, it's safe and it provides fun for youngsters who might never get to go to any other amusement park.
The turnout at Saturday's Auburn Antique Show was surprisingly good for as little publicity as had been distributed this time. About 60 restored vehicles were parked under the shade of the 84 trees around the shelter at the creek. The group who had assembled shared a love of cars and a calm, easy-going spirit.
No one seemed to be too worked up over anything. They just enjoyed sitting around admiring the cars and swapping tall tales. The setting was georgous and the atmosphere what a summer day ought to be about.
There is one gathering that should appeal to all of us, regardless of our preferences. The Fourth of July is important to everyone who is living in the Land of Logan, whether we take time to realize it or not.
The children's parade organized by Joyce and Bob Guion was fun and also an excellent lesson in patriotism for the youngsters participating.
The ceremony at the patriotic section of the park which Mayor Shirlee Yassney has developed during her administration was touching. It may have been a little long on such a hot day, but everyone who took part added to the observance of the moment.
Not everyone wants to take time to honor America on the Fourth of July. Fortunately we live in a land and a Land of Logan that is diverse enough and free enough that we don't have to pay our respects to be respectful.
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