The lazy hazy days of summer: A time for picnics, swimming in the pool, family vacations, carnivals and county fairs. This past week my husband and I went to Orleans County fair with friends. My husband, Bob, grew up in Orleans county, so it was pretty much a family reunion, without all the work. I was introduced to this fair while Bob and I were still dating, and in all those years we have missed going only once. Carnivals are fun, but there’s something special about county fairs.
The first place that we head to upon entering the fair grounds are the horse barns, (my favorite) followed closely by the sheep, goats, cows, rabbits, chickens, llamas and alpacas, (my husband’s favorites.) We then travel on to the 4-H building itself. Our oldest son, Adam had a couple sheep when he was a teen-ager—thanks to cousins who taught him about sheep, and about showing. One week each summer, he and his cousins camped out at the fair, tending their sheep and showing them, and yes, getting into a wee bit of mischief along the way. Adam always walked away from his fair experience exhausted and proud.
Carnivals are purely for entertainment’s sake; ride the rides, play the games, (lose your money) and consume tantalizing foods: french-fries, hotdogs, cotton candy, saltwater taffy, and of course funnel cake. But, county fairs go a step beyond. Anyone who has grown up in rural America knows of the 4-H organization, and recognizes its symbol immediately—a green four-leaf clover with the letter H emblazoned on each leaf. Many of our children, whether country bred or small town raised, participated in the 4-H. To these kids, the county fairs were, and still are a vital part in developing character and self-esteem. And, having a whole lot of fun.
mucking stalls I love wandering through the barns and watching the young people tending their animals, and seeing the numerous ribbons hanging from the animals stalls. Acclamations not only of the animal: but also its young owner. I also thoroughly enjoy watching the “city kids” as they ooh and ahh over each animal. Some jumping back nervously when a large cow, which must look like a giant in their eyes, begins to move around: or, hearing them giggle as a lamb nudges their hand. You don’t get that at carnivals.
This year, as we strolled through the 4-H building and saw all the projects that boys and girls had put their hearts and souls into, I listened to my friend as she related stories of her daughter’s time in the 4-H, and the hard work it took on everyone’s part to make these exhibits possible. It gave me a new appreciation for this organization and all who are involved in it.
Yep, we’re smack in the middle of the hazy, lazy days of summer, and for me our visit to the county fair was right up there at the top of the “must do” list. Now it’s on to car shows, ice cream, and Labor Daze.
Yep, we’re smack in the middle of the hazy, lazy days of summer, and for me our visit to the county fair was right up there at the top of the “must do” list. Now it’s on to car shows, ice cream, and Labor Daze.
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