the way i know i'm getting older is this:
the state fair is coming to town in a few weeks. this pinnacle of autumn that only rolls around during blue jean weather.
and this year, i'm most looking forward to the agricultural exhibits. the state's largest pumpkin. most prized horse. sweetest succotash. moistest chocolate pound cake. that, and the food. the decadence. the frito pie. the lion's club country ham biscuits with tangy mustard. that little stand way in the back with the fried oreos.
i want to peruse the grounds at my leisure. take in the hay bales used as props. the children holding goldfish in a plastic bag.
because as much as i love a good roller coaster, fair rides are a bit much for me. i think it's the speed at which they're created, then torn down. but looking at them from the sidewalk vantage point, children on them always look exhilarated and not a bit concerned about loose bolts, rickety safety straps or sparked fuses. for them, flying through the warm night, above the ground and their mamas, life is good. life is easy and full of options.
and it still is. goodness, i think it is now more than ever.
but as sensibility weaves its way into my excited bones, i'm inclined to stay grounded this year.
that's not to say i don't love a good ferris wheel now and then. nicholas sparks reinvented those bad boys for me. and ever since noah hung off the railing of one to prove his ardor for allie, those giant beasts of the carnival have taken on another meaning. they are romantic.
and at the fair, as in life, romance is worth the risk.
15 comments:
The inner child in me loves fairs, but as an adult I do find myself getting on them because of the romantic concept behind the ride. ever since I watched the notebook, I can't help but daydream about getting on a fair with my future boyfriend/husband. there's something about holding hands up in the sky that is oh-so-romantic.
I loooove the fair for basically all these same reasons. I would like to add to your list though. The swings! There is something about the blush colours, vanity lights and holding hands while giggling and swirling around in the air that just drives me gaga. And now I want me some oreos... reeealll bad
tinacrane.blogspot.com
there really is something very romantic about a ferris wheel. maybe it's just because of that scene in the notebook...
So lovely! You have me craving a day at the fair now. I wonder if there's one anywhere near NYC. I think Coney Island is as close as it gets.
It's official, I'm going to the fair this year! It's been years since I've been but after this post I think a tour through the barns, some cotton candy, and a ferris wheel ride are in my future.
I LOVE fairs, admittedly for the great food! But I gave up the rides a long time ago after getting motion sickness on the Merry Go Round and Ferris Wheel. I can't do those anymore and so Dad had to go on with the kids while I happily snapped pictures!
XO,
Jane
We went to our state fair this past weekend. Greatest attractions for us were the largest veggies, the dahlia display {amazing} and the cow made from butter. :)
first of all this completely reminds me of the notebook. oh that movie will forever be my favorite. And although i dont have too much experience with fairs i have been to one carnival with a boyfriend and i must say it was typically romantic. Have fun!
I dont ride the big scary rides either. I have heard too many horror stories. A nice ride on the carousel is moire my speed.
Hehe, I agree fully! As a child I was so fearless. Now when I see those things being erected in about an hour, I realize how crazy people are to allow themselves to swing through the air at frightening speeds on some rickety pieces of equipment. No siree. Bring on the World's Largest Pumpkin!
I still love the games though! You should try to win a goldfish pet for Pablo!
Hey! I noticed you said you were from NC! How neat! I grew up about an hour north of Wilmington...and my husband and I went to UNC-Wilmington for college! What part of NC do you live...if you don't mind me asking :) I am so glad you were safe...how crazy it is to think my hometown felt an earthquake! Oh, are you talking about the state fair in Raleigh? I used to love that time of year...the fair always came a week or so before my birthday so I would always talk my parents in to taking me... you are right...age does change perspective on these types of things...they are no less fun/exciting but just in a different way!
I'm super jealous that you have a state fair, I would LOVE one of them!!
It sounds like a lovely time especially liking the goldfish image.
An who cannot love that scene with Noah, love that film!
Have a great time!
Abigail x
My warmest childhood memories involve the Oregon State Fair. I haven't been in many years now, but I'm imagining eating a giant pickle and admiring the 4H bunnies right now. Thanks for this lovely, nostalgic post.
I absolutely love state fairs and also adore your last line about romance. lovely blog!
I can't wait for the fall fair. I like to take photos of the pumpkins and the blue ribbon pies. And yes, now that you mention it... a ferris wheel can be quite romantic. I might just have to go for a ride!
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