Favorite #60: The County Fair

Fun at the Fair

              Fun, Food and Fellowship

 As you can see in the faces of the two little boys in the photo, nothing is more fun than spending time with family and friends at the county fair. Memories of riding the merry-go-round, eating hot dogs, cotton candy, candy apples and later getting sick from eating too much are all part of that experience. Oh, and let’s not forget winning that infamous gold fish with only $20.00 in tickets, but who’s counting? What could be better than that?

Known not only for rides and food, the reason the fair began in the early 1800’s in America was so farmers could have a place to exchange information, as well as, show off their prized animals or produce at the end of the growing season. Always hoping for a blue ribbon, hearts swelled with pride when that goal was attained. Even those who never came home with a ribbon, had a sense of pride because of the work and time invested.

This scenario reminds me of an Andy Griffith television show when Aunt Bee made her infamous “kerosene pickles.” Thinking they were ribbon worthy, Aunt Bee entered them in the fair. Unfortunately, for Andy, Barney and Opie, the pickles didn’t win and so they were stuck with eating jars of pickles for months to come.

Although the county fair has been a tradition for a number of years, with rides, food and venues often being the same, new traditions and programs keep emerging within that framework. Four years ago at the Rowan County Fair in Salisbury, NC, a high school student organized the first Exceptional Children’s Lamb show as a way for special needs children to interact and participate.

Four years later, with the program a success and growing, parents are appreciative, while children are excited to participate. Hopefully, this kind of program will be an inspiration and template for other communities to follow in the near future. To learn more, check out the following Salisbury Post link:

http://www.salisburypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20130920%2FSP01%2F130929987

If you know of a program or event that is making a difference in your community, leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Dicy

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog