It's Fair Time Again
Categories: In the News , Local Interest , Outdoors & Nature , Nonfiction , Arts & Crafts
State Fair by Arthur Grace (2006) captures in black-and-white photos an amazingly accurate feeling of The Fair. Look deep: next to the slightly strange is the touchingly wholesome; these are lovely images of innocence and accomplishment that I recognize and lived through with my own family.
Fairs have always been big, important parts of our summers. We are regulars at the Hamilton County Fair. In years past we have been exhibitors, showing 4-H cattle, dogs, chickens, and rabbits. One of my daughters was even the Hamilton County Fair Queen! My other daughter was, however, Grand Champion Poultry Showman, an accomplishment that should not be underestimated.
Our Hamilton County Fair is not the biggest or grandest, but it is a 151-year tradition that will hopefully survive its current monetary hard times. It definitely has its share of faithful fans.
There is another fair in Hamilton County, the Harvest Home Fair in Cheviot, Ohio, dubbed "The Biggest Little Fair In Ohio". It is held later in the year, on toward Fall on the first weekend after Labor Day, so the nights are a little more crisp and everything is a little less wilted.
The evening the fair opens there is a fabulous home-town parade that lasts an easy 3 hours. Lawn chairs line the streets for days in advance, reserving coveted spots for the best views and candy-catching.
If you are interested in entering any of the competitions in either of our County Fairs, here are some books on a few of the many categories to inspire you:
- 40 Fabulous Quick-Cut Quilts (2005) by Evelyn Sloppy.
- Flowers for the Table: Arrangements and Bouquets for All Seasons (2002) by Ariella Chezar
- Photography (2000) by Lee Frost and Photography for Dummies (2004) by Russell Hart
- Barnyard in Your Backyard: A Guide to Raising Chickens, Ducks, Geese, Rabbits, Goats, Sheep and Cattle (2002)
- Vegatable Gardening, From Planting to Picking: The Complete Guide to Creating a Bountiful Garden (2006) by Fern Marshall Bradley
- Pie (2004) by Ken Haedrich
