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Originally uploaded by kerner

It’s time again for the Ozark Empire Fair! (Speaking of which, Fair City News did a really funny post on the history of the Ozark Empire and the Ozark Emperor a couple of days ago – a must read.)

Actually, it’s been 3 years since I last went to the fair. I love rollercoasters, but I don’t really trust the rides that get disassembled and reassembled every week for fairs all across the country. I stick to the low-speed ferris wheel, the deliciously terrible food, the animals, and the “family living pavilion” – aka the 4-H exhibits.

I was a 4-Her for several years when I was growing up, but I lived in town (no room for livestock) so my fair exploits were limited to sewing, ceramics, baking, photography, etc., as well as a very ill-advised run for Junior Princess one year. (I’m not quite sure how I got talked into that one, since I was a very shy kid.)

Even though I generally remember suffering through most of my 4-H projects (especially sewing), I must admit I’m glad my parents forced me to stick with it for a while. After all those terrible sewing projects (American flag-themed shorts & vest combo anyone?) I am very glad that I have a good working knowledge of a sewing machine, and I could probably follow most sewing patterns if I had to.

Tonight, I’ll just be glad I won’t be entering the family living pavilion with sweaty palms, hoping to see a blue ribbon on my projects. Instead, I’ll probably be ridiculing the knitting projects and in awe of the quilts.

And eating fair food – can’t forget about the fair food! I wonder what’s the strangest thing I can order on a stick?