Today is the first day of the Iowa State Fair. I grew up with a trip to the State Fair being our family vacation. Living on a farm, there just wasn't time or money for travels. The State Fair was looked forward to with excitement. We would pack a picnic lunch but there was usually money for a glass of root beer or lemonade or an ice cream cone - my dad's favorites at the fair.
At noon we would head back to the car and have lunch. This was when there was a lot more parking on the grounds. One year we were parked near a row of pine trees along the north edge of the Fair so we sat in the shade of those trees to eat our lunch out of a wooden picnic basket. Mom would take an empty milk jug and freeze it half full of water, then add water or tea to the ice.
After I got married John and I made it a habit to continue going to the Fair each year. We even took 5-year-old Brent and infant Brady to the Fair when he was less than two months old. There were stroller days which were awful at the Fair, fighting the crowds, and the Midway cords and hoses. We enjoyed the Varied Industries (Commercial) Building and the animal barns and the Horticulture Building. I love walking through the Art Building looking at all the photographs and handmade items on display.
For about 10 years we had sheep shown by grandchildren in FFA and 4-H shows. Those were hard working years and yet so rewarding. The kids became expert showmen and won awards for their ability to show sheep well. There were so many memories made during those years, we can't help but smile as they come to mind.
"I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil--this is the gift of God," (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 NIV).
If you chose to attend the Fair this year, may your days be blessed and happy.
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