Here are Nick and I on our way to the fair, via express bus, ready for the day's excitement, complete with sun-protection accessories.
Our first stop was the FFA Dairy Cattle judging in the new AgStar Arena. White show pants, clean and clipped heifers, fresh sawdust on the floor, I got a little giddy reliving my college days of hanging out with Dairy Jocks. Needless to say, I got to school my companions on the intricacies of Dairy Cattle competition. It was a bit of jackassery on my part, but exciting nonetheless.
Next up, we paid a visit to the small ruminants. We saw goats galore, but no sheep. Perhaps the sheep hang out earlier in the week?
After a few more stops, including a visit to the Thom Thumb donut stand, we visited the award winning produce. There is something about the organization of these fruits and vegetables that I find quite appealing.
And last, but obviously not least, we checked out the giant pumpkins. These things are pleasantly huge, and delightful in the same way as the State's biggest boar (which we did not see this year).
I think this was a good experience overall. We managed to leave as the crowds really started to swell and the heat became overwhelming (two reasons we've avoided the fair in the past). I still have to say, though, that my hometown county fair holds first place in my heart. Nothing else even comes close.
