Hard times can't kill the county fair. Even if they have less money or even no job this year, a visit to the Elkhart County Fair is a tradition most fair-goers are not willing to give up.

"It's for the kids," many of them told us, especially the children who work hard all year to win a 4-H ribbon or wait for the thrill of going on the rides.

Still, though, many families are cutting back, entering less cattle for show competitions or simply buying fewer snacks.

Below are some of our conversations with fair-goers, recorded by producers Barbara Raab and Anna Bloom:

Mel and Kathy Greider say the fair is the best vacation they know of -- at any price!

Kristen from Ann Arbor, Michigan came to the fair with her two children. They're cutting back on fair spending this year.

Sandra Savoie talks about the effect coming to the fair has on the morale of a struggling community.

Dave Argo, a vendor, says people will do whatever it takes to make it to their county fair.

Aaron, a Dad from Elkhart County, has lost his job but he and his wife brought their daughter to the fair for the first time.

Gary Kauffman, Elkhart County Beef Club Advisory Board and 4-H volunteer, spoke to us at the beef area of the fair and talked about how the economy has impacted some of the people who regularly show cattle.