County fairs were the major source of summer entertainment throughout my childhood in the 1930-40s era and we went to as many fairs as we could manage on my father’s salary and his gas ration points during World War II. My favorite part of the fair was sitting around the barn before and after the afternoon’s races, listening to all of the “horse talk” going on around me and just sniffing – a horse barn is still my favorite scent in the world. Of course, a barn is always full of flies. My mother used to say that my little sister, who was so anxious to get to the midway and rides, would sit on a folding chair in the barn area and constantly wriggle, scratch, complain, and whine, while every fly in the county landed on her. Meanwhile, I sat very quietly, taking in all the sights, sounds and smells with not one fly near me.
In my childhood, the horses made up 90% of my interest in the fair, so all through my life, I’ve collected anything with a harness horse on it. I have quite a few items in my kitchen:
Although I always loved the horses the most, I was also anxious to see the baking and canning displays, the animals, and the quilts.
My kitchen shelf has a large silver tray on top that was won by my father for a race in 1969, and there are two silver bowls plus a brass tray that I won in pie contests in the 1980s.
All of the family competed and won awards in our county fairs and the Ohio State Fair.
It’s fair time again and although we don’t compete any more, I have a small county fair to enjoy right here in my own kitchen.
Click on pictures to enlarge.
That is quite a collection. It reminds me of the movie State Fair starring Dana Andrews. You have some great memories to cherish.
That movie was my absolute favorite when it first came out. I loved Jeanne Crain. Later, I found a copy of the original black and white State Fair (not a musical) with Will Rogers. I love it, too, plus the original book. Lillian
Another lovely display! Our county fair is the 2nd week in August. There are some horse events but we are very big on 4-H here so there are lots of youth categories with all kinds of animals and such. I am trying to finish my hexie quilt for the adult home arts division…
I’ve been following your progress on the hexie quilt – it should do really well. Lillian
What cherished memories, especially being able to glance at the large silver tray your Dad won. How special is that! Our county fair takes place in September, and the children in the county get off from school on opening day every year. Many of the businesses close in the morning, so that everyone can attend the huge start off parade that goes through my town. The evening brings fun and excitement at the actual fair. It was fun to read about your fondness for horses and your sister and the flies!
Hope you are having a wonderful summer!
Maureen
The way you describe your county fair is exactly how I remember the fairs of my childhood. So much fun. Thank you for your nice comments. Lillian
What wonderful memories of your family and childhood. My hubby often talks about the harness races at the Fremont Fair grounds when he was a boy. I didn’t go to the fair as a child but as adults hubby and I contributed for 10 years when we lived in N. Calif. I have a shoe box full of ribbons, hubby for his roses and tomatoes and me for quilts and needlework. I miss those days.
Oh Lillian! I love the fair now too – I came late to it as my step-son reminds me often. Oh, I showed my calf one year and won and went but it was always the county fair. Several years ago he convinced me to enter my jams and jellies and I won so many ribbons, I was hooked for life!
My husband and step-sons are very involved in 4-H with my husband making fundraisers, my step-son sitting on the 4-H Foundation Board and his fiance’ is a county educator. Tomorrow is the day I get to enter online in this year’s fair. I’m so excited! My other step-son is a judge throughout our state for livestock. The silver tray and bowls just take my breath away! You are so lucky to have those! Our state fair is in Sept. and I will take a stroll through the horse barn just for you my friend – I’ll take some pictures and bring the back for you to see! I promise.
How wonderful that you and your family are so involved in the fair. I hope you’ll keep us posted on everything connected with your entries. I’ve found that there are a lot of people across the country interested in fairs.
The horse barn at the State Fair in September sounds perfect. Our fairs are pretty much over by then. The Cincinnati area Hamilton County fair used to be in September and I loved it at that time of year, but now they hold it in early August.
Good luck at the fair! Lillian
Thanks for the luck! We have to hold it in Sept. here – it’s still pretty hot during that time but August would endanger the animals and people I’m sure!
One of the things I enjoyed so much about traveling in the 5th wheel with Paul was all the small county and regional fairs we went to. I saw all kinds of farm equipment I never knew existed! I was used to the big Arizona State Fair, and even the county fair was a good size, but nothing beats those little ones and the atmosphere and the good cooking smells, and the wonderful quilts and hand work. Your displays are terrific! I love to watch harness racing, too – almost as much as demolition derby and Elvis impersonators. =) Eclectic, that’s me.
You do the cutest displays in your kitchen!
Hugs from Holland ~
Heidi
What a sweet post! The poster from The Canfield Fair caught my eye–we live not too far away and love the harness racing there and at the Great Stoneboro Fair!!–Jan
I’ve had the tin sign of the Canfield Fair for probably 20-25 years and have always loved it. We live in southwest Ohio (near Cincinnati) and I’ve never been to the fair. Maybe some day I’ll make it. Lillian
Hi Lillian–the Canfield Fair is a wonderful one with great harness racing and the quilts are breathtaking. I think it is just behind the Ohio State Fair as far as size! Have a great week!–Jan