One Last Summer Adventure for the Whole Family

Well, it’s August again. I really have to ask the question, “Where did the summer go?” I mean, I realize it’s not quite done yet. It’s only August 12th and the fall Equinox doesn’t actually start until September 22nd if you’re looking at 2018. But with school just around the corner, and a slightly cooler summers end this year, I can’t deny the feeling that you better get done whatever it is you want to get done before it starts getting cold again. However, there is one saving grace to this questionable line of thought; With the beginning of the end in sight, it’s just the time for one last summer adventure! And what better to serve us in this adventure than our beloved State Fairs.

All across the country, states are throwing themselves an end of the summer bash. Showing off the "fruits" of their labors. The people, the pride, the ponies! All-right, I’m not sure if every state has ponies, but if they don’t they should!

State fairs have been around since the middle 19th Century. The US is known to have held it’s first state fair in 1841 in Syracuse, New York. Over the years, state fairs have grown from being mostly about agriculture and it’s advocacy to being huge social events that encompass, art, live music, food, carnival rides, shows, and all kinds of entertainment. state fairs are no joke, pulling in on average from one to over two million people during their short end of summer runs.
This year we were fortunate enough to attended the Iowa State Fair, and it did not disappoint.

Walking down the fairway entrance to the state fairgrounds you’re immediately hit with the wonderful aromas of sizzling foods.

(If you're wondering what that is... it's onions, pickles, and big chunks of chicken fried in a super crispy batter. Oh, my!)

And, the maybe not as appealing smells of livestock pens, hay, pigs, sheep, horses, and goats. unless you're into that sort of thing. Which, I guess I'd have to admit, I do have a barn full of goats at home. The spectacle of dancing carousels, spinning Ferris Wheels, popping balloons, house of mirrors, tipsy, topsy, turvy machines that will curl your stomach and make you laugh until you can’t breathe. Horses parading and prancing, giant pigs laying under fans trying to find refuge from the sweltering humidity of Iowa’s summer. The Iowa State Fair had its beginnings not to long after the first state fair of New York, starting its original run in 1854. According to last years numbers over 1.13 million people attended the Iowa State Fair in 2017, and this years numbers are right on target so far to do the same. After just one day at the state fair, I have to say, I think I barely got a glimpse of all the fun it has to offer and I find myself wishing I could go back for just one more. Although if you listen to this video, you'd think I'd had enough. ;)