It's Fair Time

 

Bill went to the annual Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday and brought home this metal art to go with all the other funky yard art at the Lovestead. 

Having it hang on the side of the green house provides a nice touch. 

I'm sure that in most places the fair hustle bustle began  at oh dark thirty this morning, and it will continue for the next several days.

Families and animals are moving to the North Boyer Fairgrounds to spend the week showing, exhibiting, participating in special activities, sampling vendor dishes and just plain enjoying all the fun of living in a temporary community. 

After learning over the weekend that the schedule had changed a bit, I drove over to the fairgrounds on Sunday to see what was happening. 

A few RV's were pulling in, but most of the activity seemed to be around the fair office and the main exhibit building.  I did see one official out stapling information to horse-barn doors.

Otherwise, 'twas fairly quiet on the day that used to be devoted to entering exhibits and setting up temporary homes on the grounds. 

Today the animals and the peeps move in and get settled.  This morning perishable items will be entered and then comes the judging 

Tomorrow the Bonner County Fair officially begins.  For my friend Jean, I've included a schedule of the major events to go along with normal fair activity.  

When and if time allows this week, I'll take my camera and maybe capture some fun action in showing pens, at the food court, in the main exhibit building AND for sure to see if the one entry from the Love family wins a ribbon.

Back in the day, there were some years that I actually washed, clipped and polished as many as 10 head of Hereford cattle to show at the fair.  

My dad always seemed reluctant about our taking cows to the fair, and there were even times that we hauled the cows down to the old fairgrounds (now Lakeview Park) when he wasn't looking.

But when some of the animals won some grand champion ribbons, Harold's reluctance turned into instant pride. 

A lot of pressure and family pride weighs on Bill's photo entry where he felt that age may, for once, give him a break.  

Being old can be a benefit in the photography department.  As a senior citizen, he's just competing against other golden oldies rather than the wide open age brackets. 

So, we'll see. Fingers crossed that he'll win a ribbon.  He said we'll split the earnings if he does. 

 

Since the fair theme is "Truck Loads of Fun," our "outlaw" Jim Thompson has the perfect display.  

Jim's truck fleet and his tractors make up a part of the antique tractor display which is always popular at the fair. 

In Jim's case, his "truckloads of fun" seem to be restored McCormick tractors. 

Bert Wood's grain crop on North Center Valley Road is getting into harvest mode.

 

I spent some time driving the UTV around last night, looking for a mask in a hay field. 

Lily had lost hers during the day, and with hot, hot days ahead, it was important to find the mask. 

It took a couple of go-rounds in the field, but I found it and am hoping she keeps it on today. 

I counted nine plums on our established north-lawn plum tree yesterday.  Soon, I can pluck them and bring them in for Bill to enjoy. 

The plums seem to be following the same pattern as other garden goodies this year--all pretty but not much bounty. 

Disappointing, but regardless of quantity, we enjoy sampling the fresh garden flavors.

There may not be much, but it tastes divine. 

Besides trying to attend the fair as often as possible, I have another busy week ahead. 

So, will get at it and wish all a happy Monday. 

It's 24 years and many miles together for these two today. 

Happy Anniversary, Willie and Debbie.