The Mennobrarian

Thoughts on the Farm Fair

How incredibly blessed am I, to be paid as part of my job, to spend a day at the county farm fair? It was a long, hot, day, and having never been to a county farm fair before (really!) I think my expectations were a little high. The farm fair had a local feeling all of its own, and was certainly smaller in scale and offerings than what I imagined. As some of you know, I've been spoiled by some of the truly great fairs such as Kutztown that make most any other agricultural event look like a mere tour of someone's out building. I did not realize this until yesterday when I looked around and spotted some of the less attractive aspects of the county fair, such as the political tents, the tacky nordic-themed fun house, and the psychic table.

But there was much to enjoy, such as the antique tractor parade and the home arts and crafts tent. It thrilled me that some people were still taking enough pride in the "home arts" that they would compete for ribbons in the category of "best  jam" and pie and cookies. Not to mention the quilting and stitching, which looked to be done on nothing short of a professional level.  One needlework sampler stated  "So many projects so little time." Isn't that the truth. Librarians often joke about our individual list of books we would like to read that are so long, we will need to finish the list in heaven. I am sure there are quite a few quilters, knitters, etc. with a project list of their own that is too long for their time here on earth.

I may be out of touch on farm fair food, but I was hoping to find a greater variety of delicious farm foods available, rather than things like deep-fried oreos (what a way to ruin a perfectly good cookie!) There was only one table selling produce of any kind, and it was where I bought these:


These are heirloom lemon cukes, they are just like a regular cucumbers, but taste just a little sweeter.
"Can you pickle them?" I asked the farmer.
He looked blank. He obviously didn't know. Then he bellowed with false certainty, "Sure!"
Well, I guess we'll find out because I'm pickling a few slices now. But pickling or not, I'm saving the seeds and growing some of our own next year.

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10:34, Saturday, July 26, 2008 .. Posted by gabbie427

Sounds like you had a great time! Our farm fair will be at the end of this month and it is always great fun with part of the fairgrounds being flea market type stuff. There are some treasures I am sure buried in all that "junk" somewhere. I am bound and determined to find it too!! LOL

They have a few play things for the kids, like pony rides and a bouncing house. I love all the crafts and things they have, homemade baskets, wooden crafts, homemade lotions and bath products, anything you can imagine sewn, and some of my favorite fair time foods, blooming onions, funnel cakes and kettle corn!! They will also have a smoke house and several booths for 4H and the Conservationist. Oh how I love the fair!

Thanks for writing and telling us all about yours!!

God's Blessings,
Amy Jo

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07:02, Saturday, July 26, 2008 .. Posted by haflinger

Oh Monica how lucky are you.. Sounds like a grand time.. I've never heard of heirloom lemon cukes? That's a new one on me.. Let me know how they come out well It's 7PM another hour or so of day light got to go to the garden.. Oh my dress isn't done ran into a hemming problem twice then company...lolHave a nice weekend what is left..
Sister Brenda

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08:32, Saturday, July 26, 2008 .. Posted by stitchnchick

We just ended our fair week! I'm exhausted! I agree with you...there are those negative elements, and the "deep fried everything," but it's always fun to experience the good things about a fair. I love the "Homemaker Show" we have in which the ladies model the clothing they make, compete for "Dish of the Day" and "The Best Cookie in the County."
I spent most of the week with my boys in the 4-H barns, but was able to steal a few minutes here and there to go watch the competitions. My favorite was a reproduction Civil War gown. It won first place. :-)


Amy