For decades, tourists have flocked to Fake Barn County, Iowa to see the region's iconic collection of fake barns. Last week, it was discovered that several farmers - anxious to house their barnyard animals - had built real barns mingled with the fake barns. Tourists are not pleased.
"You know, I come here every year to see the fake barns, and I'm very disappointed by the way the region is handling the situation," complained Alvin Goldman, long time visitor to the area. "Now that there are real barns, I never know whether I'm seeing a fake barn or a real barn. It really spoils the experience. I come here to enjoy fake barns, not the appearance of fake barns."
Local farmer Duncan Pritchard is nonplussed. "When you are looking at a fake barn, you see a fake barn. When you look at a real barn, you see a real barn. You might not be able to tell the difference, but that shouldn't take away from your experience of seeing the fake barn. I think our tourist industry is just as good as ever, only now we also have a place to house our animals."
While many are unhappy, some tourists share Pritchard's view. "If you thought you saw a fake barn, then what's the difference?" shrugged Conee Feldman, another long time visitor. "You have the same experience, and that's what matters."
Fake barns are not the only peculiar attraction of Fake Barn County. Additionally, there is a cleverly-disguised mule petting area and a large roaming brood of spotted hens. Tourist season is open from May to September. Advanced bookings advised.
"You know, I come here every year to see the fake barns, and I'm very disappointed by the way the region is handling the situation," complained Alvin Goldman, long time visitor to the area. "Now that there are real barns, I never know whether I'm seeing a fake barn or a real barn. It really spoils the experience. I come here to enjoy fake barns, not the appearance of fake barns."
Local farmer Duncan Pritchard is nonplussed. "When you are looking at a fake barn, you see a fake barn. When you look at a real barn, you see a real barn. You might not be able to tell the difference, but that shouldn't take away from your experience of seeing the fake barn. I think our tourist industry is just as good as ever, only now we also have a place to house our animals."
While many are unhappy, some tourists share Pritchard's view. "If you thought you saw a fake barn, then what's the difference?" shrugged Conee Feldman, another long time visitor. "You have the same experience, and that's what matters."
Fake barns are not the only peculiar attraction of Fake Barn County. Additionally, there is a cleverly-disguised mule petting area and a large roaming brood of spotted hens. Tourist season is open from May to September. Advanced bookings advised.