The Fair

The dust kicked up in the wind as we exited the car to attend a local county fair. All around us kids were hurrying their adult escorts and talking in exciting voices about what they wanted to see and do. I could smell grilling hamburgers, popcorn, and cotton candy on the wind. Is is just me or is fair food eaten in the outdoors a thing of beauty. Walking through the gate I was transformed into a child again as we wandered around the grounds. I have seen hundreds of black angus, sheep, pigs, and horses in my lifetime, but that somehow doesn't seem to stop me from walking through the barns to look at dozens more once again. The laughter and screams from the carnival riders echos across the tree tops, and I smile. Handmade quilts, jars of preserves, flower arrangements, photographs, paintings, and plates of produce, displayed for all to see, with blue, white or red ribbons proudly draped over the extra special ones. Old fashioned...maybe...corny...maybe...but I think that a day spent strolling through a county fair is a day spent creating a memory that will never fade.

Hi Mellodysmiles,

As the "older-timers" in here know, I enter my jewelry and art work every year in the Orange County Fair. This year I came home with 5 ribbons, including a 1st prize.

Since I get a free ticket with my entries, I spend a day or two at the fair wandering around. I go on the days when the entertainment sounds the most appealing. I love the artwork, quilts and horticulture displays the best.

Years ago, when they were really county fairs and a little smaller. Oh what fun! Tilt-A-Whirls! Farris Wheels! So many cool rides.
I used to always do the basketball throw, and they would let the girls inside to throw the ball. After winning 2 or 3 stuffed animals, I would be banned from inside. Then after winning several stuffed animals where everyone else shot from, they would close it down for awhile, until I left. I thought I was such a hot shot! LOL
The food, the junk food. LOL Such great memories! Never went on a date to a fair. Always in a group!

Showing our lambs and steers! We didn't get to enjoy things until this was over! Great fun anyway!

We have a ton of country fairs here in NH. For some reason, I haven't been to one in years. Maybe I'll manage to find one to attend before the season is over.

Jackie, I hope you do, I think you will be glad you did.

I just love all those silly games on the walk ways at the Fairs. You win stuffed animals or dumb toys but its such a festive atmosphere and brings back so many childhood memories. I was in he 4H club and always had an entry of either food or an animal. Won a few blue ribbons too.