It's Fair Time!

Dads, grab your straw fedora; Moms, bake up that blue-ribbon pie or crank out some CERTO Strawberry Jelly - because it's Fair Time!

Of course, it's not fair time everywhere - the Florida State Fair isn't until February (still nice weather down there then, the lucky bums). But I'm not just talking about the state fairs - I'm also talking about the Local County Fairs, the Cultural Festivals, and town gatherings.

What makes the State Fair or a month-long Renaissance Festival so fun? I think that part of it is nostalgia - it is a family gathering time, fun food, classic rids, romance, memories, etc. It is also clean fun - (if by clean you also include throwing up after eating one too many corn dogs then riding the Zipper, which I totally do). It's stinking farm animals and 4-H exhibits and deep fried Snickers on a stick (warning: this recipe results in nearly guaranteed cardiac arrest).

Maybe some of you have never been to a fair. I suppose that some smaller amusement parks may give you a similar feeling. I'm not talking about the Sea Worlds of the world; when was the last time you ever saw topiaries on state fair grounds? Perhaps Coney Island is in the same ballpark. In any case, I hope that you city dwellers can get a taste of what I'm talking about sometime before you ride the great Ferris Wheel in the sky.