A Day at the Fair

CORN DOGS, onion rings, roasted corn-on-the-cob, fried green tomatoes, lemonade, and cotton candy; the tilt-a-whirl, the Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and a shooting gallery: these are some of the things to expect when you plan a day at the fair!

Fairs can be found across the nation in mild-weather months. State fairs and county fairs are perhaps the most popular, however fairs with all kinds of names are also held. Over 100 years ago, fairs started out to be celebrations of bountiful harvests and progress in agricultural achievement for those in rural communities. But now, fairs have evolved into places for entertainment and festivities for everyone.

Some fairs are quite large in size; some are small. Most are somewhere in the middle. Fairs also vary with regard to the surrounding territory from which they expect to draw crowds. The location of fairs may be in small villages and towns, medium-size cities, or large metropolitan areas.

Most fairs have some common components: food and refreshment stands; a midway, including a carnival and side shows; various exhibits and displays, including crafts, paintings, and photography; the exhibition and judging of animals, including cattle, hogs, and sheep; commercial areas, including demonstrations of items for sale; contests of all kinds with entries judged for prizes, including hams, vegetables, pies, and cakes; and, a grandstand with an arena and stage area featuring special events, including races, horse shows, tractor pulls, talent shows, or perhaps even invited guest entertainers.

Fairs are fun places to be! Fairs are for everyone: little ones, teens, parents, grandmas and grandpas. When looking for an exciting day trip, or a fun-filled adventure, consider a day at the fair.
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-- The photo above was taken in the midway of the Ozark Empire Fair held in Springfield, Mo.