Meet Me at the Fair ...
... because we had so much fun there today, we just might head back tomorrow!
One of the highlights of our autumn season is without a doubt our annual trip to the Topsfield Fair. I have been going there since I was a little girl and now it gives me so much joy to return hand in hand with my own children each year!
Did you know The Topsfield Fair is America's oldest agricultural fair, started way back in 1818? I'm sure much has changed since then, but to me so much seems wonderfully familiar as we enter the gates each October - the skies are clear and blue, the leaves are falling, the air is crisp and fragrant with apples and fried dough - and all the stands and barns are filled with amazing things to see.
Continuing traditions, beautiful weather, happy family memories ... all these combine to make autumn the loveliest season for me. Here are some pictures from our trip there today. Enjoy!
The first thing we did was buy the boys Topsfield Fair sweatshirts - it was a much colder day at the fair than we anticipated! Then we got an early lunch - I had my first "corn dog" ever and let me tell you, it was absolutely delicious!
Oh, yes, the tractor display was a huge draw for the boys!
Next it was on to the rides ...
The boys saw this large wheel in the distance and immediately proclaimed the ferris wheel the must-do ride of the day. So we headed over that way ...
... which seemed like a good idea until we got closer and the size and scope of the wheel was apparent. Now you're going to think I'm a ninny, but I haven't been on a ferris wheel since I was a kid and well, you know, there have been those stories about amusement park accidents and all (yes I'm that kind of ninny). But how could I look at these faces and not say let's go!?
And here are a few (several) views from the top ...
That's my mum - the lady in red waving!
Then it was on to the buildings to check out the agricultural side of the fair! Here are the boys with the prize-winning pumpkin!
We thought this blue-ribbon winning pumpkin below was hilarious. It represents a recent "blimp blunder" that made the news, in which the local blimp went down and got stuck in a forest. (Fortunately no one was hurt.)
I think we enjoy the beekpeeing building the most every year. The beeswax and honey products are just beautiful - unfortunately they had sold out of my mum's favorite soap.
Here we are just outside the 4H building. Lots of crafts and activities for kids going on in there. (And I picked up some brochures before we left.)
The day was just beautiful! All the colors of autumn were represented.
And there were signs of Halloween just around the corner ...
A few more shots of the fair ...
The boys and their Nana (my mum)!
This sand sculpture was something to see!
I love visiting this little corner just before we leave - there is firewood for sale as well as Christmas trees. (And a wooden carved Santa too!) I love getting a little glimpse of the season around the corner!
So there you have it - a tour of the fall fair! And though Earlybird and Dear Husband were under the weather and had to miss it this year, they enjoyed the pictures (hope you did too) and the balloons and cotton candy we brought home. :)
Before I go, here are a few fun books to read with your children - whether you make it to the fair or not this year, they are wonderful books for the season!
Dawn,
Please tell your mum that I purchased the last bar of beeswax soap at the fair.
My plan was to purchase a year's worth. When I entered the building I could not find any soap. When I asked the gentleman behind the counter for the soap he said they were sold out but then found one.
Barry said I reapeated the words "Oh,no" at least 20 times before the dragged me out of there with my little bag with one bar.
We will go to the fair earlier next year.
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | October 07, 2006 at 05:33 PM
Dawn, this is a day of Autumn Joy at its best! What fun for everyone!!! (Well, except for poor Earlybird and dh. I am glad you took care of them with cotton candy. Prayers going up for a speedy recovery.)
Posted by: Alice | October 08, 2006 at 12:15 AM
Oh wow! What a perfect fall day! The autumn colors from the top of the Wheel are beautiful, as is the joy in those two little faces.
Posted by: Jennifer | October 08, 2006 at 02:30 PM
What a lovely day, and how lucky you were to be escorted by such handsome young men!I loved all of the pictures!
Posted by: Mary Ellen Barrett | October 09, 2006 at 01:49 PM
I love the bird's eye view from the top of the ferris wheel...beautiful colors!
Posted by: Marie | October 09, 2006 at 05:42 PM
Thank you everyone!
Lisa, that is too funny about the soap! The first thing we said (after Oh no!) was we had better come earlier to the fair next year! :) That soap is truly amazing.
Posted by: Dawn | October 09, 2006 at 08:08 PM
Beautiful, Dawn! What a wonderful day. I love fairs (and isn't the 4-H the coolest thing...I've always wanted to do it?). Your pictures are so great, especially at the top of the ride. I don't think I would have been so brave.
Posted by: Jenn Miller | October 09, 2006 at 08:17 PM
What a fun day!
Thanks for the book mentions. Our fair is coming to town in a couple of weeks and I need to check these out for pre-reading. :)
Posted by: Cay in La. | October 10, 2006 at 10:35 AM