You know summer is over and fall has arrived when it’s time for the county fair. I used to go to the Orange County Fair in NY State back in my youth, and I remember the livestock displays (and the aroma!); the games of chance where you could win a giant Teddy bear; the junk-food booths that sold corn dogs and funnel cakes and cotton candy. My favorite attractions were the carnival rides that tossed you back and forth and upside down until you regretted eating all that junk food.
I haven’t been to a county fair in years, so when my sister-in-law, Molly, and niece, Carrie, invited me to the Allegan County Fair here in Michigan last week, I just had to go. Everything was exactly as I remembered it. The (aromatic) livestock and produce displays, bristling with prize ribbons. The tempting games of chance with stuffed animals dangling as bait. Are they still “rigged”, I wonder? And the junk food booths! The county fair isn’t the best place to count calories or eat healthy food, but how could I resist? I’m way past the age where going on the carnival rides is fun—or wise. So why not indulge in a funnel cake?
A week later, I went to another fair in Huntington, West Virginia. There were no pigs or horses or carnival rides this time—just BOOKS! This was The Ohio River Festival of Books, sponsored by the Cabell County Public Library, and I was honored to be one of their special guests. I spoke about “My Roller Coaster Ride into Publishing” at one of their breakout sessions. Here are three of my new friends and fellow book-lovers, Ted, Maria and Deborah. Afterward, I signed books.
Here, I’m talking to Vicky Woods, the librarian who arranges to send digital recorded books to the library’s sight-impaired patrons, as part of the Library of Congress’ services. Vicky made my day when she told me about a 90 year-old patron who loves reading my books.
The fair was filled with books—new books, used books, children’s books, non-fiction books, novels—and the people who love to read them. I talked with many book-lovers who have an appreciation for e-books, but we all agreed that it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun to have an e-book fair as it was to have a real-book fair. There’s something very special about holding a book in your hands and turning the pages . . . don’t you agree? I mean, would the County Fair be the same if we were watching the pigs on video screens instead of seeing (and smelling) them in person?
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I’ve always loved going to the fair. I live in Central Ohio and when I was little, we went to the Delaware County Fair most every year. It was (and still is) right around my birthday in September. Now, I take my family to the Ohio State Fair which is notorious for the many and varied things we try to deep fry. We took friends from Germany this year and they were horrified when we jokingly offered them deep fried giant pretzels. 🙂 Lynn, I am so enjoying reading Pilgrimage right now for my morning quiet time. It’s making me dig deep and think and I am enjoying seeing the Holy Land through your eyes. Blessings!
Fairs are such fun, aren’t they? This one had deep-fried Twinkies bit not pretzels! They sound yummy. And I’m so glad to hear that you’re enjoying “Pilgrimage.” Thanks for your encouraging words.
I thought your account of your Fairs were very interesting Lynn and especially the Book Fair..What a haven for book lovers!:)
I had a giggle about the thought of watching the “Porkers” on video..What! No aroma?? Definitely wouldn’t be the same.LOL
We recently had our Royal Show during September and of course the Farmyard is always a favourite of the littlies(and the oldies too.:)
My B-I-L used to exhibit his prize Rams and my dear Mum used to spend hours selling tickets at the Ram Sales. I remember the blending of the aromas of hot dogs, waffles and donuts from nearby stalls, wafting into the sale yards and I can tell you that created a very unique aroma.LOL
I’ve never heard of funnel cakes before..guess they must be shaped like a funnel . Is your cotton candy similar to our Fairy Floss I wonder? Pure sugar, spun until it resembles pink /green cotton wool on a stick? Certainly a great treat and kept the dentists in business!
I’m with you re the rides. I used to love the Gee Whizz or the Octopus, but as for the Mad Mouse? Oh dear! .The Carousel is about my limit these days….Oh .and I did enjoy the aeroplane ride at Disney Land last year.LOL
I have to say “State Fair ” was one of my favourite movies (longer ago than I care to remember)
Enjoyable Post Lynn.. Thanks for sharing it with us.:)
Hi Rosie. Your fair sounds like fun! Yes, cotton candy sounds the same as your Fairy Floss. I like your name for it better. Funnel cakes taste a lot like donuts but the batter is poured into the hot oil in a spiral so you get this huge, deep-fried dessert. YUMMY!
The Texas State Fair recently returned to Dallas! I’ll probably take my kids for the games, rides, livestock, and funnel cakes this weekend. My favorite part of the fair — the shows!
Wow – I thought all the county/state fairs were done by Labor Day! There are a few small local festivals here that go on this late, but they run the risk of inclement weather – like the sleet we had on Friday. But I suppose not everyone worries about snow in October.
Hi Becky! I’m sure the Texas State Fair will be much bigger than this small, county one, so your shows will be great! We watched a few of the horse races but that was all. Maybe next year I’ll stay longer. Enjoy your fair!
I haven’t been to a county fair in ages, but I have fond memories that are similar to yours. Just wanted you to know I recently finished reading Pilgrimage. I loved the personal witness that you offered in this book. Your prayers at the end of each chapter were inspirational. Thanks for letting the reader see more of you in this book.
Hi Pat. I’m so glad that “Pilgrimage” was inspirational for you. Opening my personal journal for the world to read was a bit intimidating to say the least.
Enjoyed your post today, Lynn – – except now I’m really hungry for some pink cotton candy and a funnel cake (with lots of powdered sugar on top!). 😉
The book fair sounds delightful too – – and I have to say that I’m definitely a print book person. To me there’s nothing like holding an actual book in my hands and turning the pages.
I’m sure everyone at the Ohio River Festival who met you was thrilled! If you ever decide to hold a book-signing in Georgia, please let me know, LOL. (I know it’s a bit far – – but I can dream!) 🙂
Hugs, Patti Jo
My mouth starts watering just thinking about that funnel cake! And I will be sure to let you know if I come to Georgia, Patti Jo!
I love going to fairs, especially to view all the textiles.
I love the feel and smell of books but I am sight impaired, so I use e ooks.
The quilt show was one of my favorite displays. I could have spent all day in there. And I love the convenience of e-books. I’m so glad we have both!
Nothing to do with Fairs. Just had to tell you I have your latest book dedicated to your husband and children. I told my daughter that you have four children, one named Snir. We spent a little time trying to pronunciate it, and gave up. Today, in reading your Facebook profile, I see that you have three children.Is Snir an adopted child or is Snir a beloved pet?
LOL! Snir is beloved, that’s for sure, but he’s not a pet–he’s my daughter Maya’s husband. Vanessa is my son Joshua’s wife. My husband and I have three children who were born to us and we love the two wonderful children God gave us by marriage.
I love the fair. When I was growing up my grandfather was a rabbit judge so we were at the fair a lot. As an adult my family and I try to get to our county and state fair each year.
A rabbit judge! That’s awesome! I may have to put a rabbit judge in one of my books, Lori.
That sounds like so much fun 🙂
Fairs are wonderful. If we had to see them like an e-book, we may as well stay home forever and never experience life. Sounds horrible.
If I am ever accused of hoarding – it will be books. What will this poor generation do if the grid went down? I keep downloading books but I don’t like reading them that way so I keep going to book fairs, buying news and used book stores. There is nothing like the real thing, whether a book in the hand or the baby goats at the fair.
I’m with you, Sandy. I keep buying books, new and used, then buying more bookshelves to hold them. There’s no such thing as too many books!
Yes! We just gave away or sold all our big pieces of furniture out of our storage place. Plan to get more when we finally get a house. Know what we DIDN’T sell? – Yup the bookcases! LOL.
Been a long time since I have been to a fair. Looks like fun.