It’s fair time in Deschutes County! Five days of fair food, rides, animals, carnival games, vendors hawking everything under the sun, concerts, rodeos, and…did I mention fair food?
Honestly, this should be a food group all its own! Corn dogs, elephant ears, curly fries, cotton candy—all clearly addictive and soon to disappear for another year, so eat as much as you can before it’s too late! Yes, I did—I held up my end!
Entertainment choices abound. Cheap Trick, Kip Moore, Kansas, and Aaron Tippin play to packed houses of cheering fans – free with the cost of fair admission. What a deal! Elsewhere on the fairgrounds, amateur entertainers practice for the big-time and draw their own crowds to cheer them on.
One evening and three afternoon performances of the rodeo offer more entertainment options. Have you ever noticed that nearly everyone who attends a rodeo is decked out in cowboy hat and boots? There’s just something about a rodeo that makes grown men want to be cowboys – and grown women … well, let’s just say there’s somethin’ about a COWBOY!
A trip to the fair wouldn’t be complete without visiting the barns where the 4-H and FFA kids house their animals. This little baby goat stole the show while I was there, frolicking as only a carefree kid can. I wanted to take this little one and his sibling home with me!
If you’ve ever worried over the future of our younger generation, a walk through these barns and a few conversations with these young people will reassure you. A more poised, capable and confident group of kids would be hard to find.
Need jewelry? Sunglasses? Hats? How about a henna tattoo? Or a psychic reading? You name it and you’ll probably find it at the fair. Farm equipment? Travel trailers? Four different car dealers. There’s something for everyone’s budget.
The midway offers its own excitement. Games and carnival rides galore. From cutsey bear rides for the little ones to rough and wild rides for the more daring set, they’re all found here. At night the lights can be seen for miles.
I love the fair, and I can’t get enough of it! This year I brought home a large sack of caramel corn – Lol! – but something else too. I got ideas from people-watching for my new WIP. What better place to find and study… uh… specimens of the population that you might not otherwise come in contact with? Yes, I feel a little bit like a stalker at times, but I try not to let it bother me!
Where do your ideas come from?
