Abel Frake is an Iowa farmer, who lives with his wife Melissa, and their children Wayne who is seventeen, and Margie who is nineteen. As the story opens, Abel is excited about taking his hog Blue Boy, to the state fair tomorrow, in hopes of winning the championship blue ribbon. The whole family go along, and the story covers each of their experiences at the fair. Sounds innocent enough right? Maybe not! This tale is deliberate, sure, and gripping, and an American classic. It also includes a New Years message from Benjamin F Fairless, the President of United States Steel.