Nothing stirs up happy memories like seeing this.
When I was growing up we did not get too far away from the farm, in fact I remember that a trip to Rochester from the farm required my Dad to change the oil in the car! FYI - I still live just a half mile from the home place and drive to the shop everyday which is exactly 41 miles from my garage to PNQS parking lot. Oh my goodness what a change. Our annual trip to the county fair (was in Preston, MN as we live in Fillmore County) was indeed a summer highlight.
Growing up we were all in 4-H and had various projects entered. Sometimes gardening, always clothing sewing for the girls and my brother had woodworking or some kind of electrical project. Back then we also had "demonstrations" I can remember one I did with a neighbor girl about butterflies. Not sure if they still do this now in the era of YouTube and the likes. Taking home the assortment of ribbons and seeing the list of those honored to go on to the state was an added bonus.
The livestock barns were a highlight, while we did not take animals to the fair our fellow 4-Hers did and sometimes we got to hang out with them in the barns, so so much fun was had!
The Fine Arts Building was also a must see (and still is). My mother took elaborate themed flower arrangements to the competition and always did well. Friends and neighbors took baked goods, canning and of course we all loved to look at the finely made clothing, entries from the Sew it with Wool contest, cross stitch, crewel work, quilts, crochet and knit items. I still love to go and see them. Even more fun for me now is to peruse the area and see many of the PNQS Peeps handiwork, fabrics from the shop that are transformed into masterpieces.
While I was not able to get to the Rochester fair this year, Terry sent me a photo of the grand champ and best of show from Olmsted County this year. So fun to see and so very proud of our Peeps!
This is Dinnerplate Dahiia Quilt, a paper pieced beauty from Quiltworx made by Lisa Bleeker quilted by Gena Cahill.
Amazing workmanship.
Last but not at all least is the fair food. We always make a trip to the 4-H food stand (still do) for a burger, the ADA Malt Stand is also a must and then perhaps a corn dog, mini donuts, funnel cake... then usually day ended (after a trip to the midway) with a grandstand show, maybe a rodeo, tractor pull, music show or a family favorite the demo derby.
While things seem to change right before our eyes, the traditional county fair is still a mainstay of the summertime.
Ahh summertime, we are now entering its final weeks, enjoy it while it lasts!!
M
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