Ozark Empire Fair 2009

I know some people go to the fair because it's kitschy, or because it's fun to make fun of the carnies, or shake their heads in amazement at all the people that apparently still "live on farms" and "raise livestock." But I actually really like the fair. I love that it's something that all different kinds of people in the community can get together and enjoy, and I really love the fact that, despite all the flashy rides and yummy fair delicacies, the main event is still about country living - raising animals and vegetables, baking, sewing, woodcarving, etc.

Camo Dress!
Originally uploaded by kerner

That being said, it is pretty awesome that at least one of the award-winning seamstresses had a bit of fun with this gala-worthy creation. Look close - do you see it? Yes... that is CAMO fabric!

Other Fair highlights included:

IMG_1251
Originally uploaded by kerner

Saying hello to a very friendly donkey (and I got a classic hee-haw when I walked away. Aww, he missed me!)

Cheesecake on a Stick
Originally uploaded by kerner

Watching my friend Dave devour an enormous piece of cheesecake on a stick...

Beefalo
Originally uploaded by kerner

Learning about a new (to me) variety of cow (hee hee... just saying it makes me laugh. Beefalo! You guessed it, a cow/buffalo hybrid)

IMG_1279
Originally uploaded by kerner

And last but not least, enjoying a lovely ride on the big Ferris Wheel (with 2 very chatty children, because apparently the carnival folks didn't want to miss out on the income stream of shoving 7 people into a single car). But hey, it's all part of the experience. The kids' dads were both competing in the tractor pull competition that night, so we got to hear all about how one of their truck broke down (or something... I'm not exactly sure of the mechanics of a tractor pull. Does the tractor pull something? Is a person pulling a tractor? I don't get it - I would have gone to watch but it required extra tickets we didn't buy.)