When I bough my property, I was a little concerned that it lies only about a half block from the County Fairgrounds, worrying about traffic and noise on my country road. Now, five years later, I can only say how fortunate I feel, for there are many wonderful events going on there, and I can walk down to stroll around or join in. One time there was a blacksmiths' convention, with forges set up all over the fairgrounds, making everything from sculpture and jewellery to beautiful gates. Another time a llama convention was in progress, and I was amazed to see llamas all clipped like poodles, with some of them pulling dainty little carriages likes surreys. It was delightful.
August is the time of the County Fair, which lasts ten days. In a world where too much changes too fast, the Fair hearkens back to a different era. One feels it probably has changed very little since it began. Virtually all of the local children participate in 4H projects, raising a sheep, pig, calf or goat that will be auctioned at the Fair.
There are art projects and amateur photography displays, with children as young as three entering their creations.
The carnival is mobbed with children (and adults!), and there is always some kind of stunt. Last year it was a man shot out of a cannon, this year two motorcyclists riding their bikes around inside a metal mesh sphere, missing each other by inches.
The craft hall is wonderful, with beautiful quilts, all kinds of preserves, a spinning and weaving demonstration and much more.
For me, though, the animals are the best feature, with barns full of cows, goats, sheep and pigs, all shampooed and clipped to look beautiful.
I love the goats especially. My next door neighbor's children raised a goat for their 4H project, and Zoe was there in a pen, ready to be auctioned to become a dairy goat. I will miss her sweet little bleating, but the farms here are small, and goats like to be with other goats, so she will undoubtedly be treated well and be happy she isn't alone any more. Browsing down the goat pens I am so tempted to get one for myself, but with my hands very full with the bulbs, the garden and my dogs, I really have to resist.
This year there were many different breeds of rabbits, posing another temptation. I kept rabbits as a child, and have always had a fondness for them. They seem the epitome of gentleness, and to this day I will not eat rabbit.
The Fair ends this weekend, and with my favorite dog trial having come and gone the previous weekend, this, for me, marks the winding down from summer. Summer is still here, to be sure, but the garden has a somewhat faded look to it, and Amaryllids are starting to show their buds, presaging their big fall display. Amaryllis belladonna is so abundant here locally that many people think it is native to this area. It is commonly seen in huge swathes on abandoned property, its familiarity, unfortunately, leading to a lack of appreciation. When my accountant gestured to a huge pile of bulbs that he was throwing out, I eagerly took them home and planted them outside my gate.
We have had a splendid summer, one sunny day after another, with only fog in the early morning and late evening, and sometimes not even then. My new fans in the greenhouses have been put to the test, and I am very happy to say that the temperatures this year have not exceeded 90F, in spite of clear and sunny days. Shipping continues apace, but my thoughts are moving on to the fall seed sowing season, and I am already reorganizing parts of my greenhouses in preparation. The world turns.
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