Governor mingles at Shelby County Fair

Despite a busy summer comprised of a recent overseas trip and numerous public outings, Governor Eric Holcomb made time for this year's Shelby County Fair.

On Wednesday, Holcomb arrived on the fairgrounds just after 5:30 p.m., surrounded by an entourage and met by an even larger crowd of supporters.

Over 30 members of the local Republican Party gathered to meet last year's gubernatorial victor. While the governor conducted himself with the professionalism expected of a politician, he managed to exude a warm air and remained grounded in the moment.

Upon arriving to the Shelby County Republican Headquarters, housed beneath the grandstand, Holcomb broke away from his staffers and sought out local party officials and members. After speaking with county party chairman Rob Nolley, he greeted the buzzing crowd with firm handshakes and lengthy, casual conversations.

From an onlooker’s point of view, it was as though Holcomb was an old friend of everyone he came into contact with. For example, both Holcomb and Shelby County Sheriff Dennis Parks reveled in light teasings regarding their respective heights. Holcomb was dubbed the “tallest governor” and Parks the “shortest sheriff.”

Following a few quick pictures, Holcomb and team then headed out for a tour of the recently renovated grandstand. There, he received a condensed history lesson on the new grandstand and the 2012 fire that destroyed its predecessor.

The governor then enjoyed a tenderloin sandwich at one of the fair’s many concession stands. While eating dinner, he continued to interact with locals, his meal turning into a miniature photo opportunity. Adults and children alike grabbed at the chance to chat with a receptive Holcomb.

Before he had to leave for another engagement, Saturday Shelby spoke with Holcomb about some of his first actions as governor.

State officials recently announced the upcoming implementation of five new opioid treatment centers to combat the growing drug epidemic. When asked about the objectives of the treatment centers, Holcomb said they were intended not only to provide immediate care but counseling and resources necessary for the journey of recovery as well.

The centers will be located in Allen, Johnson, Monroe, Tippecanoe, and Vigo counties.

“These five [centers] were data-driven selections based on what was occurring in those…regions,” Holcomb said. He noted that the strategic locations were designed to offer the option of care for those in neighboring areas, including Shelby County.

And, of course, no interview with the governor would be complete without inquiring about the star of his Hounds for Holcomb campaign: first dog Henry.

When asked how Henry has adjusted to post-election life, Holcomb said that Henry was on the mend from a recent illness and was not able to attend a Fourth of July parade in Brownsburg as he normally would. Instead, the pet goat of Holcomb’s niece took his place.

“I think Henry is a little jealous,” Holcomb joked.

Now healthy and happy again, Henry is ready to return with Holcomb for public appearances.