Wednesday, October 18, 2006
COUNTY FAIR
Each year my family and I attend the Clallam County Fair on the final day. Typically, we spend all Sunday touring the aromatic animal barns; dodging over-enthusiastic merchants peddling their wares or attempting to rid themselves of surplus key chains, pens, pamphlets, etc.; and eating over-priced, calorie-laden delights (who knew grease could be molded into so many food-like shapes). By the time we leave, we’re lighter on cash and on sanity. This year was no exception.
Early Sunday morning, my wife and I arrived bright and early so we could participate in probably one of the most-anticipated events of the fair—the demolition derby-ticket-purchase. After relieving ourselves of a small fortune, we headed home to get our daughters. Upon re-arriving at the fairgrounds, we took part in yet another fair ritual—the parking space hide-and-seek. It took only 20 minutes to find one and we only had to walk half a mile this time; we’re getting better every year.
As our custom is, we visit the animal barns first. We enjoy seeing all of the happy animals and delight in watching the children joyfully performing their barn duties after the animals have done theirs. We “ooh” and “ahh” over the babies and make all the typical animal noises at the corresponding critters, who simply roll their eyes and think, How original; no one’s ever done that to me before.
Later, we visit the exhibits where we wonder at the accomplishments of people who can sew; paint; grow fruits, vegetables, and plants; carve; take pictures; bake; and even change their motor oil better than we can. It’s very depressing. We don’t stay in these barns very long.
Next comes the rodeo. We love watching the skillful riding, roping, and wrangling abilities of the “cow folk,” but what we like most is seeing the animals ridding themselves of their riders, much like my bike used to rid itself of me. This year, the rodeo offered a couple of unexpected treats: a children’s “calf scramble” and a dance contest (it’s not easy getting the calves to dance either). And who can forget this year’s National Anthem? It’s a moving experience hearing hundreds of regular folks straining to hit that hernia-inducing note that so few can manage with a modicum of grace.
Following the rodeo, it’s time to make ourselves sick, not by riding the rides, but by over-eating greasy foods. This is usually done in the vicinity of a concert or performance at one of the fairground stages. If we’re lucky, we get something the whole family enjoys. Most often, we are. Once we’ve stuffed ourselves sufficiently we head over to the rides (it’s a well-known fact that you always feel better after you throw up, isn’t it?). We leave the rides dizzy and paler (by the looks of us, you’d never guess we’d spent six hours in the blazing sun), but by the time we hit the demolition derby we’re back to normal.
Yes, the Clallam County Fair can be a noisy, expensive, tiring experience, but I wouldn’t miss is for anything. Well, maybe chocolate or the birth of one of my daughters, but that’s about it.
Early Sunday morning, my wife and I arrived bright and early so we could participate in probably one of the most-anticipated events of the fair—the demolition derby-ticket-purchase. After relieving ourselves of a small fortune, we headed home to get our daughters. Upon re-arriving at the fairgrounds, we took part in yet another fair ritual—the parking space hide-and-seek. It took only 20 minutes to find one and we only had to walk half a mile this time; we’re getting better every year.
As our custom is, we visit the animal barns first. We enjoy seeing all of the happy animals and delight in watching the children joyfully performing their barn duties after the animals have done theirs. We “ooh” and “ahh” over the babies and make all the typical animal noises at the corresponding critters, who simply roll their eyes and think, How original; no one’s ever done that to me before.
Later, we visit the exhibits where we wonder at the accomplishments of people who can sew; paint; grow fruits, vegetables, and plants; carve; take pictures; bake; and even change their motor oil better than we can. It’s very depressing. We don’t stay in these barns very long.
Next comes the rodeo. We love watching the skillful riding, roping, and wrangling abilities of the “cow folk,” but what we like most is seeing the animals ridding themselves of their riders, much like my bike used to rid itself of me. This year, the rodeo offered a couple of unexpected treats: a children’s “calf scramble” and a dance contest (it’s not easy getting the calves to dance either). And who can forget this year’s National Anthem? It’s a moving experience hearing hundreds of regular folks straining to hit that hernia-inducing note that so few can manage with a modicum of grace.
Following the rodeo, it’s time to make ourselves sick, not by riding the rides, but by over-eating greasy foods. This is usually done in the vicinity of a concert or performance at one of the fairground stages. If we’re lucky, we get something the whole family enjoys. Most often, we are. Once we’ve stuffed ourselves sufficiently we head over to the rides (it’s a well-known fact that you always feel better after you throw up, isn’t it?). We leave the rides dizzy and paler (by the looks of us, you’d never guess we’d spent six hours in the blazing sun), but by the time we hit the demolition derby we’re back to normal.
Yes, the Clallam County Fair can be a noisy, expensive, tiring experience, but I wouldn’t miss is for anything. Well, maybe chocolate or the birth of one of my daughters, but that’s about it.
Labels: clallam county, county fair, fair
