One of the long standing county traditions, the Howard County Fair has come and gone for another year. In some ways, its the same good old fair it was 50 years ago when I first attended. In other ways it’s changed considerably. As I wandered the grounds some very fond memories of working the fair at the Howard County Times Information booth many years came rushing back. Those were some proud days. Ones where you had a true community newspaper. Where the people that wrote and photographed and dug out stories lived and worked in the community.
It’s all in the JAR’s man. Photo by Mike Hartley
Also I’m not seeing the familiar farm names I once knew. A few but some old ones are missing also. I also seem to be recognizing less and less people each year. But you still have families and children. Then there also are the teenagers running around just as they always have, checking each other out, chasing and hitting on each other.
Father and Son at the fair
Photo by Mike Hartley
You still see the children taking the first amusement rides. And each year there seem to be the same rides but in reality that is one of the biggest areas of change. I think that the midway has expanded a good bit from what it used to be decades ago.
Children and rides, what every child should experience.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Then there are the rides for big boys. But you can see the desire in the youngest of men. One thing that I can’t remember changing is the Chevy/GMC cars and trucks. I always wondered by other brands didn’t get involved in the fair. Now mowers I can understand Kubota and Deere being the only two. That’s not a big field beyond them. But cars and trucks. We got every brand dealership right here in this county and rarely do they come out. Wonder if its a space issue? Could be.
Can we get this one Dad?
Photo by Mike Hartley
And as always there is EATS. A cheeseburger, onion rings and a Mountain Dew were starters, followed by a cherry dip cone. But there are other eats as always to satisfy most. I heard from my son in-law that the pit beef was good.
EATS
Photo by Mike Hartley
But as they say, its a circle of life. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Round and round.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Not sure how I feel about the pig races. Seemed to draw a good crowd. And I do like BACON.
This guy is the pit crew.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Pig racing. #4 at the turn.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Well, a few last shots before signing off from FairLand.
Screams from above.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Can I tip this one?
Photo by Mike Hartley
here’s looking at yew.
Photo by Mike Hartley
