Monday, August 2, 2010

Early morning at the fair . . .

My main man has been on the county fair board for 20 years.  He (and many, many other volunteers) work long hours for weeks before the fair getting it ready and then he practically lives there for the 4 days the fair is going on.  Now that my kids are no longer in 4-H, I 'm not there 24/7 but I still put in alot of time helping where I can.

I was there early one morning when no one else was around.  What a profound difference can be found when the fair is virtually asleep.


The rides are still.  No screams, no flashing lights, no music.


No little ones pulling on parent's arms, itching to get to that next thrill ride, and then sometimes crying for their momma's while she's waving on the sidelines.


The carnival is quiet.  No carnies coaxing suckers passersby to try their luck at their games.  No children picking ducks (for $5!!!) out of a tub of water for a dinky prize that holds their attention for about 20 seconds.


There are no farmers checking out the machinery, wishing they could have these monsters with all the bells and whistles but praying that nothing breaks down this year so that they have to buy anything new.


There are no older, retired farmers to tell stories on how hard they had to work when they were farming and how easy the farmers have it now.  It is still tough to farm, to raise a crop, to pay the prices needed to raise a crop and all the while still try to raise a family. 


The chainsaw was silent (thank goodness!) but the artist's talent was visible.


All of the creations are auctioned at the end of the fair. 


There was no one in the buildings to ooh and ahh over the handmade quilts, hanging for all to admire.

I never got around to take pictures before the animals and the people started mosying in for another day at the fair.  The noise quickly escalated and I contemplated what the fair means to our community.  It really is all about the kids.  4-H plays a big part in teaching our children responsibility, leadership, and hard work.  The kids certainly benefit from their endeavors but so do we.  We watch them grow into adults that we are proud to know.

And later on that day . . . we got into some screaming of our own on rides we couldn't get enough of! 


DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT TO WIN MY GIVEAWAY! 
 (See post HERE.)  I'm making another bag for the 3rd drawing for those of you who blog or post a picture on your sidebar about my little giveaway!  Come!  Visit!  Comment!  Post! 

And Yippy Skippy!  I've reached over 160 followers so the drawing will be held August 10th!  Thank you to all!  You have no idea how much this means to me!  Oh, and if you missed it ~~ THANK YOU!


Now . . . go create something to be proud of . . .


13 comments:

The Little Red Shop said...

Hi Connie! What a sweet post. I especially love the picture of the little cutie enjoying the ride.

Congratulations on all of your new followers!

: )

Julie M.

ps I clicked the "here" link...but it didn't work.

she dreams big! said...

Thanks Julie! I fixed the problem. Computer genius I am not!

Cassie said...

Wonderful pictures of a "quiet" fair! Thanks for letting us peek. Have a great week-Blessings.

Marie Lost Bird Studio said...

Hi Connie,
beautiful post and Congrats on 160+ followers.Have a wonderful day,my friend.
Hugs,
Marie

Sue@MyArtsDesire said...

Connie! Having grown up in the Dairy state these county fairs are such a fun trip down memory lane for me. While I didn't grow up on a dairy farm, my Aunt & Uncle had a large farm and I spent tons of time there. My sis is married to a third generation farmer and in the past few years they sold everything and got out of the business. Milk prices {to the farmers} had gotten to a place where they were losing money...so sad to see. We all lose as the family farms disappear from the landscape and are taken over by huge corporations. My brother-in-law wouldn't do the hormone shots to increase milk production just on the principle of it all...but you can bet all the corporations inject their cows. What a beautiful way your "main man" and you give back to your community! Great post! Xo, Sue

Anne Lorys said...

Great pics, you really captured the essence of a county fair. :-)

Have a wonderful week!
Hugs,
Anne

Michelle Palmer said...

LOVE this post... your photographs, your words~ your perspective. Sweet!
Wishing you all the best~
Michelle

Lynn Stevens said...

Hi Connie, What a great post, I bet its awesome to walk around with no one their! Wonderful photos. Its been years since we went to our county fair. I think we just may have to go this year. minus the rides, no thrills for this ol'gal! Driving with my DH is a thrill enough for me! LOL

stefanie said...

How FUN!!!!!

The French Bear said...

Look at all those beautiful quilts......I would have been so tempted to sneak one away.......well not really but tempted!
what fun!
Hugs,
Margaret B

Laura Quaglia (Fun With This and That) said...

Your fair looks like ours here .I'm with you and the kids and ducks hate the carny part.We just went had a fun day with my sister. Laura Q

Ticking and Toile said...

Hi Connie,
love this post. I love going to the fair ~ but think it would be really neat to wander around before it opens......

love your blog design ~ Karen is so good huh?

xo,
Shellagh

Kateyed said...

Connie,
That is lovely! I remember walking down the street at "Corn Palace Week" and looking at all the quiet carnival rides early in the morning.
Your pictures are just incredible!
Suz