I got to go to the fair on Saturday and what a fine day it was! I have to admit that originally, my motive to go to the fair was entirely about seeing my first ever blue ribbon in person.

To say I’ve been excited about this old fashion accomplishment would be an understatement. When I first found out I won, I called my grandma because I knew she’d appreciate the news. When she answered, I exclaimed, “Grandma! Guess what??” to which she replied in a hopeful voice, “You’re getting married?” Need I say more?

Of course, that was the first stop. I couldn’t fully enjoy the rest of the fair until I had a look at it. It took a few minutes to find, as the preserved foods section abounds with colorful jars, but we found it. And I was happy as a clam. I fully admit to gushing to a few older fair goers around me, “Look! That’s my first blue ribbon!”

Me (thumbs up) and Rachel – 1990

Once I had fully reveled in the moment, we headed out to enjoy the rest of the fair. And I had forgotten how much fun it can be! I still remember “doing the Puyallup” years ago when my dad would take my sister and me.

I was able to deduce that the old pictures above were taken on a trip to the fair in 1990 and I only wish I could have found the one I was searching for – the one of me posing by the cows.

As an adolescent, I went through a period of being fascinated by cows and started to amass a collection of all things bovine. I decided at the fair that if I were ever to own a cow, I’d have myself a “golden retriever” cow* or two, if not purely for their adorable furry appearance.

It seems a random and odd collection to have, but I can’t help but relate to my younger self and that appreciation for farm animals. I drug my friend through more 4H and Future Farmers of America barn exhibits at the fair than one.

I think I can speak for both of us when I say that we liked the pigs the most – the barn with the pigs, where 4H kids would lie in the stalls with their heads propped up on the bellies of their pigs, as comfortable as can be. Both pig and kid.

I’m sure it will come as no surprise to anyone that I thoroughly enjoyed my walk through the agriculture section of Hobby Hall. Even though I still don’t really get what the big produce displays are all about, they drew me in. Vegetables have a way of doing that these days. It was the Toy Story display that tickled me the most. I mean, really. A Toy Story alien made out of beans? That makes total sense!

And while I’m not a ride person since my inner ear troubles plague me, leaving me with the legacy of being the cousin who would try to go on the rides and then throw up, I couldn’t resist the slide. Luckily, I was tall enough. Adult after adult went up the stairs to the slide only to come down with a child in their lap while I stood in line for myself. When I got to the landing and turned around, the most adorable little boy was just behind me – all by himself. I looked at him and said, “You’re going by yourself? Me too! You are so brave.” And he replied, “I am brave.” I don’t know what I loved more – that tender moment or my own ride down the slide.

So, instead of something educational today, I offer you a little piece of the fair. Doesn’t it just sound like fair? A little laughter and lightheartedness is what this Monday needs. Don’t you think? Have a great week, my friends!

* There’s no such thing as a “Golden Retriever” cow – I just made it up because they look so damn cute!