More From the State Fair

As I said in my last post, I like to look for the traditional stuff at the fair. So much is now given over to commercial exhibits and stands selling junk and food that is tempting but not good for you, and a massive midway/carnival of thrill rides. We had to search out our old favorites, like the county Grange exhibits and the agricultural hall. 

 This was the grand prize winner, but they all looked good, although I see that no one is doing the seed/grain mosaics anymore. 

 There were just a few agricultural specimens, nothing like there used to be. They did have a few giant pumpkins/squash. 

 And a giant kohlrabi. Probably not that great to eat, but big!

 We went back to the Barbecue place for some lunch, splitting a pork sandwich, a coleslaw, and a Coke. We resisted my usual treats of corn dogs and curly fries, and places like this. I know, not as much fun, but our tummies were happier. 

Then it was time for the draft horse show. It's great watching these majestic horses trot in perfect unison, maneuver, and even back up their wagons. 

 Back on the hunt for old favorites, we found the Sheep-to-shawl exhibit. The ladies were carding, spinning, and weaving a shawl in one day. Each day a different guild would do the same. We talked to them for a bit, reminiscing when Tom's mother used to do all of this. 

 And then another favorite, the quilts!  This beauty is all hand quilted, made by a professional. But wow!

 There were lots of fiber and fabric arts here. This weaving, a Swedish coverlet pattern, is much like a piece we have that Tom's mother made. 

 Ooops. Sideways. But I had to show you that someone actually made woven shoelaces!

 In the hobby hall there were only a few doll houses now. 

 And finally we found the Collections. These were always a favorite of our family, and one year our kids, then in grade school, entered their collections, horses for Jill and pigs for Jake. I'll have to see if I can find photos of those collections. 

 Here is a sample of this year's entries. 

 And my favorite, pink Pyrex ware!

We looked through the galleries of photographic art and paintings, which had many wonderful entries. 

On our way to the oldest part of the fair, under the grandstand, we found these carved pumpkins.

 And then, there is was, the original Fisher's Scone booth, still baking and selling those famous scones. We talked to one of the young women at the counter, but since we had already had our scones, we moved on to another scone booth nearby because the original one didn't have what we were looking for.

 That kid was having way too much fun making scones .... and juggling dough. 

 Butter and jam station. 

 And there it was, scone ice cream. We had to give it a try. 

It was good, but not great. My advice - more raspberry jam.

Now were were tired, it was 4:00, and we decided it was time to go home. My legs were screaming to sit down, and my mind was telling me to get out of there before I caved in to that corn dog and curly fries. 

It was a fun day at the fair.