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Post by doctork on Aug 10, 2009 8:57:57 GMT -5
I left my "Life's Questions" book in Bellingham, so it's been a while since I posted a question. But this came to mind:
Do you go to your state fair? What are your best memories? Do you think they are outdated in our non-agrarian society? Or are they important to keep us in touch? Or maybe the fair is just lots of fun - after all, when else do you eat deep-fried Snickers bars?
The West Virginia State Fair starts Friday in Lewisburg, which is only 10 miles from where I am working. I have printed out the schedule and seeing which days and events I'll want to attend.
And of course, Prairie Home Companion will be having a show broadcast from the Minnesota State Fair soon; I'm sure GK will have lots of commentary. He had an article about State Fairs in July's issue of National Geographic, but no photos from WV State Fair even though he was there last year.
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Post by gailkate on Aug 10, 2009 9:27:10 GMT -5
He's gotten a lot of great material out of the Fairs, hasn't he? I think it's a charming anachronism that people in at least some states would miss terribly. MN marks the end of summer by the Fair and absolutely wouldn't think of starting school till it's over (usually coinciding with Labor Day). I've been once as a strolling, junk-eating, bee-dodging participant and vowed never to go back. the crowds make me glassy-eyed. But I've "worked the booth" for political candidates and seen just enough to stay abreast of the latest in deep-fried artery cloggers. One year (as I no doubt joyfully reported here) I was there for the parade of Clydesdales - what a treat! I get all misty over old-time innocence, brass bands and Sousa. The Clydesdales drew people of all ages, trailing alongside and marveling. So, you must be planning to go, right? Just a brief foray so you don't overheat or get too tired? I'll bet there will be some yummy things to buy - and take home to Howard, of course.  |
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Post by doctork on Aug 10, 2009 15:03:17 GMT -5
I'm planning on going to the fair. I don't think I ever actually went when we lived here in West Virginia. It always happens just after summer camp ends, so we'd just made the pilgrimage down south to pick up our daughter, and were too lazy to drive back again the following week for the fair. There are some advantages to being in southern WV.
The fair ends August 22, and school starts for most area counties on August 26. I'm a fan of the post-Labor Day start myself, but who asked me?
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Post by liriodendron on Aug 11, 2009 12:27:04 GMT -5
I adore Fairs! As a 4-Her, I entered my brownies in our county fair and won a blue ribbon. I suspect nearly every kid won some sort of ribbon. When we lived in Pennsylvania we would go nearly every year to The Great Allentown Fair and also to the much smaller West End Fair. Occasionally we went for the entertainment (I remember seeing Kenny Rogers), but my primary interest was the livestock - I love cows. I also made sure to see all the exhibits - particularly the quilts - and to eat my fair share of blue raspberry snow cones. We have yet to get to The Big E, despite having lived in New England for 14 years. I really don't want to face the crowds on the weekends and the kids are in school during the week. But who knows. Maybe this will be my year! |
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Post by liriodendron on Aug 11, 2009 12:37:20 GMT -5
Oh, and this isn't exactly a fair, but gosh it's a good time! I bought my dulcimer there 21 years ago. I had visions of being home on maternity leave with my oldest and teaching myself to play. (Those of you who are parents will be chuckling right now at my, um, overly enthusiastic vision of life with an infant.) Never made it past "Go Tell Aunt Rhody". I guess I have something to look forward to when I retire. |
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Post by doctork on Aug 11, 2009 15:45:04 GMT -5
I have always wanted to go to the Kutztown Fair, but somehow never got there. Ya can't do everything. Though I do try very hard,
I think every woman imagines doing all kinds of things on her maternity leave, at least during the first pregnancy. After that, cat's out of the bag and you know you will be nothing but changing diapers and longing for sleep. Frankly, I spent two months home on strict bedrest with one of my earlier pregnancies, and even then I got nothing substantial done.
lirio you really should consider the Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough - not as much music but otherwise a lot of the same flavor as Kutztown. I scheduled Friday October 2 off for the festival (in addition to the Andorra trip) to be sure I didn't miss it! And the WV State Fair doesn't start until 4 pm on weekdays anyway.
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Dopey Member
