We started off this year like we always do- by going to the main building and checking out the displays of produce and flowers and photos and crafts- each proudly (presumably) submitted by their creators... or growers (in the case of the produce and flowers).
The displays, largely of fruit and flowers, cover the downstairs of the main building, while the crafts, photos and artwork are up in the balcony. The balcony is pretty narrow and it can be hard to get around up there when it’s crowded, but fortunately we’re usually pretty early (you're welcome) so the crowds are usually not too bad.
First, Second and Third place ribbons are given out for a multitude of categories for just about every type of thing entered. More often than not, it’s a complete mystery as to why certain things were considered ribbon-worthy while others were not. By rights, I should be pretty angry that I have yet to win a ribbon, but then again, I have yet to enter anything either.
After checking out these so-called “adult” entries in the main building, we checked out the so-called “Kids” entries in the smaller building off to the side. I have no doubt that most of these entries are made by kids, but clearly, not all of them are creations of a child. It is obvious that some of these kids were likely helped along by the “guidance” of an “involved” parent- just like when I was in Scouts (By the way Mom, thanks for that shell display- even though I didn’t win anything for it).
After perusing the kids entries we checked out the wildlife displays- some containing actual wildlife, and then we went over to look at and pet the baby barnyard animals. From there, it’s a stroll through the barns of vendor displays- largely containing an inordinate amount of furnace salesman, along with the perennial “pro-life” people (or “anti-choice”, depending on your perspective), and also the lonely looking bathroom remodeler. The fudge people were there again this year too, but I didn’t get any.
I’m not sure why I go through these buildings. With the exception of buying some fudge once or twice over the years, I don’t think I have ever bought anything from anyone in there. If anything, I always make a concerted effort to avoid all of them. It makes absolutely no sense, yet I do it every year. But, hey! it’s the fair- and I guess if I don’t avoid them now, I won’t have another chance to avoid them until next year.
After running the gauntlet through these vendor halls (using my patented don’t-make-eye-contact technique), was outside to fulfilled another treasured annual tradition of eating a nutritious late breakfast (or early lunch) of a giant tub of french fries- fresh out of the deep fryer.
The weather had been threatening all day. And while it was kind of rainy, the rain was light when it was there at all. Usually, it was just threatening to rain. I think the rain would have been an issue when the kids were small. They liked to go on a lot of rides, so the rain would have meant either Wet Kids, or Disappointed Kids- most likely both. But in the last few years, the “kids” have been fewer, and so the amount of rides have been fewer. In fact, last year Sam expressed zero interest in going on any of the rides. This year was slightly different though- but not by much. Helaina and Jake went on a total of one ride together (well, almost), and Sam almost didn't go on any.
I asked Sam about going on the Ferris Wheel with me and I almost got an “Ok” from him, almost but not quite. Even if he had agreed, I don’t think I would have gone through with it. I managed to get him on it a couple of years ago, but he was clearly uncomfortable with the whole experience. I’m all for him trying new things but it’s not like we’re at Outward Bound or something- he’s at the Fair and if he’s not having fun, what’s the point.
But the Ferris Wheel was a non-issue when Sam found out they had the bumper cars this year.These are his favorite and he was disappointed last year when they were nowhere to be seen.
So we walked over and convinced Helaina and Jake to go on as well- despite the on-again off-again rain that had left the metal floor with puddles in spots. I was pretty sure that the professionally trained amusement ride operator would never allow the ride to proceed if there was even the slightest risk of electrocution from the high voltage that must be running through that thing, so they handed the guy their tickets and went to select their cars.
It turns out, there was a girl already waiting to ride in one of the cars and she was someone that Sam knew from years ago. Back then, Sam would often get frustrated with her, but it had been a few years since he last saw her. Things change. He was happy to see her and she was very happy to see him. I don’t know whether he offered or she asked, but they rode in the same bumper car together.
Afterwards, he said goodbye, and made our way back, stopping for our usual cotton candy and fried dough- and then we headed home. Next year, I assume, we’ll be back to do it all over again- in the same pattern- in some combination of family members.
First, Second and Third place ribbons are given out for a multitude of categories for just about every type of thing entered. More often than not, it’s a complete mystery as to why certain things were considered ribbon-worthy while others were not. By rights, I should be pretty angry that I have yet to win a ribbon, but then again, I have yet to enter anything either.
After checking out these so-called “adult” entries in the main building, we checked out the so-called “Kids” entries in the smaller building off to the side. I have no doubt that most of these entries are made by kids, but clearly, not all of them are creations of a child. It is obvious that some of these kids were likely helped along by the “guidance” of an “involved” parent- just like when I was in Scouts (By the way Mom, thanks for that shell display- even though I didn’t win anything for it).
After perusing the kids entries we checked out the wildlife displays- some containing actual wildlife, and then we went over to look at and pet the baby barnyard animals. From there, it’s a stroll through the barns of vendor displays- largely containing an inordinate amount of furnace salesman, along with the perennial “pro-life” people (or “anti-choice”, depending on your perspective), and also the lonely looking bathroom remodeler. The fudge people were there again this year too, but I didn’t get any.
I’m not sure why I go through these buildings. With the exception of buying some fudge once or twice over the years, I don’t think I have ever bought anything from anyone in there. If anything, I always make a concerted effort to avoid all of them. It makes absolutely no sense, yet I do it every year. But, hey! it’s the fair- and I guess if I don’t avoid them now, I won’t have another chance to avoid them until next year.
After running the gauntlet through these vendor halls (using my patented don’t-make-eye-contact technique), was outside to fulfilled another treasured annual tradition of eating a nutritious late breakfast (or early lunch) of a giant tub of french fries- fresh out of the deep fryer.
The weather had been threatening all day. And while it was kind of rainy, the rain was light when it was there at all. Usually, it was just threatening to rain. I think the rain would have been an issue when the kids were small. They liked to go on a lot of rides, so the rain would have meant either Wet Kids, or Disappointed Kids- most likely both. But in the last few years, the “kids” have been fewer, and so the amount of rides have been fewer. In fact, last year Sam expressed zero interest in going on any of the rides. This year was slightly different though- but not by much. Helaina and Jake went on a total of one ride together (well, almost), and Sam almost didn't go on any.
I asked Sam about going on the Ferris Wheel with me and I almost got an “Ok” from him, almost but not quite. Even if he had agreed, I don’t think I would have gone through with it. I managed to get him on it a couple of years ago, but he was clearly uncomfortable with the whole experience. I’m all for him trying new things but it’s not like we’re at Outward Bound or something- he’s at the Fair and if he’s not having fun, what’s the point.
But the Ferris Wheel was a non-issue when Sam found out they had the bumper cars this year.These are his favorite and he was disappointed last year when they were nowhere to be seen.
So we walked over and convinced Helaina and Jake to go on as well- despite the on-again off-again rain that had left the metal floor with puddles in spots. I was pretty sure that the professionally trained amusement ride operator would never allow the ride to proceed if there was even the slightest risk of electrocution from the high voltage that must be running through that thing, so they handed the guy their tickets and went to select their cars.
It turns out, there was a girl already waiting to ride in one of the cars and she was someone that Sam knew from years ago. Back then, Sam would often get frustrated with her, but it had been a few years since he last saw her. Things change. He was happy to see her and she was very happy to see him. I don’t know whether he offered or she asked, but they rode in the same bumper car together.
Afterwards, he said goodbye, and made our way back, stopping for our usual cotton candy and fried dough- and then we headed home. Next year, I assume, we’ll be back to do it all over again- in the same pattern- in some combination of family members.
I doubt I would be going to the Fair if the kids weren't around. Like a lot of things, it’s never really been about where I am- it’s always been about who I’m with.
People sometimes rank on the fair as being kind of hokey- people, including me. But the truth is, I’m glad that I live in an area where something like this is a big deal.
And when, or if, there comes a time that I’m no longer going to the fair, I think there will be a certain sadness but also a certain comfort in knowing that the fair is still going on- that there are still little kids that are thrilled to win ribbons and see the baby animals; that there are young families buying french fries and going on rides and watching pig races and then going home tired- all the while, each of them making memories for tomorrow.
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| Looking down from the balcony. |
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| Multitudes of produce. |
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| Sam checking out his ribbons. |
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| Helaina checking out monster beans (sorry, I forgot to take a photo). |
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| Jake trying to steal a bunny from the Baby Barnyard (Just kidding! No lawsuits, please.) |
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| The ever popular Mobile Leather Shop. Notice it contains the " World's Largest Belt & Buckle Collection". Worth the price of admission to the fair- all by itself! |
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| Yes, there is even Gourmet Catering! How do I know? Because it say so right there. Offering gourmet delicacies such as, Chowder, Pie A LA MODE, Meatball Grinders, and yes, even water! By the way, this is not where we bought our Tub-O-Fries. |
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| Heading down the midway, waiting for the Tub-O-Tries place to open. |
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| Taking pictures of the duck who wouldn't stop quacking. |
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| More pictures of the duck who wouldn't stop quacking. |
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| Wrapping up the Livestock portion of the Fair. |
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| Making it through the smells from the Livestock portion of the Fair. |
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| Enjoying a hearty, all natural late breakfast! |
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| Watching the pig races. |
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| Sam and his friend. |
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| Having the thrill of a lifetime- for one more year. |
And, for the last word...
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