The previous post was about THE FAIR and what exactly went on. However, there is so much more than just the games/raffles, winning a 22 inch TV with built in DVD player, and the amazing food---funnel cakes, fried oreos, burgers, pulled pork, turkey, baked potato---oh yeah we were saying it's more than that. Every year when THE FAIR rolls around I get so excited about seeing kids from school that I have taught, seeing classmates that I wouldn't otherwise be able to see, and visiting with old friends that I haven't seen in a long time.
It's not the cups you win at the ping pong toss, the homemade ice cream, or Papa Harry Combs tractor/stagecoach ride. It's the lights in the park, the sound of children laughing, and the excitement of seeing family proudly displayed. You can't capture those emotions with too many things. There are a limited few things that can bring on that pure joy, easy going attitude, and bliss of just enjoying the day with great company and no worries. Luckily, THE FAIR is one of those moments.
I don't remember a summer that I didn't go to THE FAIR. One of my first memories was of my parents dancing at THE FAIR and I was right there, in the middle of them as they danced to a slow song on the basketball slab. The DJ playing music carries all through the town. I remember sitting outside of our house in town and hearing the songs (I was home because it was bed time, but some how bed times never really get enforced during THE FAIR so sitting outside to hear one more song is always allowed). I used to think that the music, the dancing, and these things were what made THE FAIR seem magical and romantic. However, I've discovered it is more than that.
The first time I won a title at THE FAIR was Little Miss Fairfax. I won that and Tyson won Little Mr Fairfax. I can still picture it as they called our names and he came up to me and grabbed my hand (he was wearing the cutest plaid pants). After riding in the parade in my t-shirt and shorts I was hooked. I participate in the first Jr. Miss Fairfax that I could and had so much fun doing a skit with all the girls. I was floored when I won (and a little sad that I couldn't participate the next year). As I stood on the stage giving my speech I couldn't wait for the next year so that I could be in the Miss Fairfax contest. That next year I got 2nd Runner Up. Then the next year I got 1st Runner Up. Then my last year I won Miss Fairfax, but more importantly I got Miss Congeniality which means that the girls could tell how much fun I had. I loved being able to turn on the lights at Light Night (I LOVE LIGHT NIGHT), being the Easter bunny for the Easter egg hunt in the park, and helping with the Celebrity Waiter Dinner as royalty. In fact, when I had to give my speech this time I had to hold back tears because I knew that I could no longer take part in such an honored tradition. No more going to the tea to interview, no more learning line dances or lip syncing, no more dressing in evening gowns and being escorted by Tyson or my dad. However, starting this year I have started helping with it and it has added so much joy to my life. I was beginning to think that this was the passion that made THE FAIR, but this year when I introduced THE FAIR to new people I realized that this was not the factor that made it whole.
So if it's not just the games, not just the food, not just the dance, not just the contest...then what is it? I can tell you. It's knowing that Friday night your mom is going to bring a piece of cheese for her burger because they will never sell cheese burgers at THE FAIR. It's knowing that Friday night your best friend will (of course she will---Amber) dance a song with you and then cross the street to get a fountain drink at the Dairy Diner because that's what you always do. It's knowing that your dad will be in the parade every year to throw you some of the good candy. It's knowing you'll hear the sound of locus, see glow in the dark necklaces keeping track of kids, feel the heat on your skin, smell popcorn, and have your best friend (ever since he shared that moment with you on stage) right there beside you taking everything in (OK and maybe laughing at people). It's the reassurance that life is continuing as the same, that traditions are strong (I sound like an old lady that hates change), and that some things in life are bigger than us...they were here before us and they will continue way after our time. And to that I say "Live on FAIR, Live on..."
See you next year at THE FAIR
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