CROWN POINT | With several pieces of painted wood stacked neatly in front of him, John Sturk began assembling a toy truck that eventually would be given to child in need.

The woodworking demonstration was one of many the Northwest Indiana Woodworkers Association conducted in the Family Arts and Crafts Building during Friday's opening of the Lake County Fair.

A board showing the templates Sturk used and how he cut the various wood pieces sat next to him as he glued the pieces of the truck together and put a clamp around them.

Sturk, publicity chairman for the Northwest Indiana Woodworkers Association, said he has been a member of the group for about eight years.

While he enjoys learning new woodworking techniques during the club's monthly meetings at Clifford Pierce Middle School in Merrillville, his favorite activity is making Christmas toys for less fortunate children.

Marcia White, president of the Northwest Indiana Woodworkers Association, said the group will conduct several woodworking demonstrations as the fair continues through Aug. 16.

Just a short walk away from the demonstration, flower arrangements were judged Friday in the Flower Show Building.

Barb Craft spent about an hour judging the numerous arrangements on quality of workmanship, creativity and originality.

The arrangements, made of fresh and artificial flowers, were divided into various classes.

Karen Fritz, of Gary, won in the permanent arrangement professional class for an ensemble of sunflowers, grapes, ribbon and cork from wine bottles on a straw hat.

Visit www.lake-county-fair.com for more information about the Lake County Fair

Visit www.niwoodworkers.org for more information about the Northwest Indiana Woodworkers Association