My First State Fair

I cannot believe I have never gone to the State Fair while I was in NY. I vaguely remember the Monroe County Fair, but for the years living up there, I missed the lights, sounds, and smells.

That has changed! I am fortunate to live in the capital city of Columbia, South Carolina. The State Fair is now less then a half hour away. As we drove into the parking areas, the throngs of people spilled into the road. Cone barriers were erected to aid in the traffic flow. A man in a USC Gamecocks jersey was directing traffic. You see, not only was the State Fair happening, but the Gamecocks were playing and everyone was manning their TVs and radios.

As we entered the fair, smells of cotton candy, corn dogs, and elephant ears surrounded us within a cloud of temptation. As our mouths started to water and our stomachs started to growl, the call of the gamers floated above the roar of the rides. Scores of people waited patiently in line with their little ones, while the older teens were seen carrying large stuffed animals won in by their accurate throws of the rings.

I watched my friends be pulled in different directions by their little ones, remembering a time not so long ago when I was a participant in that urgent tug to go to that most important ride. Dom was there too, but he came with his girlfriend and others. With such a crowd, I didn't even get a glimpse of him.

After a sausage, with peppers and onions, I stood watching the people enjoy the perfect weather. My interest moved to the all consuming race...the pigs. These little pink bundles would race around a small track to the finish line for a cookie...but not just any cookie...it happened to be an OREO! From there, we went to tour the barns with all the cows. These precious beasts were groomed in earnest anticipation of capturing a special ribbon. To me, they are just a bunch of cows that all looked the same, but to the experienced eye of a judge, a prized animal!

The night finished with a concert by Mercy Me. How much more perfect for the day to end praising the LORD for allowing me the opportunity to finally visit a State Fair!

'Til next time...