Grace Notes: It was a ‘fair’ly awesome week!

__ With the Rooks County Free Fair now in the rear-view mirror, I have a these reflections over the past week. First of all, it was HOT, and that had to have created a lot of anxiety and exhaustion for the kids and their parents participating and trying to keep livestock cool. This is where lessons are learned and memories are made— and just like life in general, you gotta take the good with the bad. But in spite of the heat, the week was all about fun. Everywhere I went and wherever I looked, people were having FUN. I must say, however, I missed the rain that the fair so often brings. But as someone pointed out, rain was in the forecast for this week, which would be the “traditional” week for the fair schedule.

__ It seemed to me the quantity of exhibits was down considerably, in all areas. I don’t know what to make of that, and I cannot be critical because I didn’t enter anything myself—and I almost always do. There didn’t seem to be the usual amount of items in the Open Class building and not as many animals in any of their buildings. There were no “stores” under the grandstand. But again, in spite of the heat, there seemed to be a nice crowd every evening, and the food stands and food trailer folks were doing an amazing job of feeding the multitude. The shows under the pavilion were excellent, and Jimmy Dee and his gang did not disappoint!

__ I played my once-a-year BINGO, and finally, I can say: 'I won a prize!' I have played every year since we moved here and never won a prize. But this year, as I sat next to my friend, Lucy, who had never won either, she won on one of the first rounds. I told her when she won that she was going to be my “good luck charm,” and sure enough, she was! I was very pleased to win a gift from Chalk Couture, exhibiting their craft items in the Commercial building. So I broke my string of bad luck and got to experience GOOD LUCK this year, complete with a wonderful prize!

__ The exciting news of a carnival coming in next year really capped off a great week. It just hasn’t been the same without the rides, seeing the bright lights and hearing the screams from the thrill rides that I stay away from. Thank you! Thank you! to the Fair Board for sticking with it until you found a good group to come here... from Texas, of all places! Maybe I can get them to bring along our grandkids from Texas! I love watching everyone having fun, but even more, I love watching my own grands having fun!

__ Thank you, Fair Board, for another great year! I can’t imagine the amount of hours you all spend ensuring a good, safe and entertaining experience for us all. It was a wonderful party, all week, with great food, awesome entertainment, hard-working kids, and good visits.

__ And now, the worst thing (for me) about the fair being over, is that I have to get back to cooking supper again!