Lordy, how I love the summers. And what better way to wind down the summer season than knocking around at the county fair?
Sweet little Bedford certainly knows a thing or two about county fairs. And I’m happy to report they haven’t lost their touch after several years of not having one thanks to the Great Covid plague. For the past week I’d been following the organizer’s progress with keen interest whenever I was headed into town. Probably a week or so out they began prepping the area and marking off the divisions and parking. Then it wasn’t long before the vendors started bringing in the rides and tents and all the other essentials that a county fair must have to properly feed and entertain fickle and funny Americans. It was fun to watch and good to see them back after a five year sabbatical. They picked a good spot for it this year and I wondered if they maybe weren’t thinking of me when they chose that spot along Falling Creek road because I would probably have missed it for the year if they set the fair been anywhere else.
There were all the usual county fair staples like the corn dog and funnel cake booths. The concert stage serenaded the crowds with tunes from the 80’s. And there were a menagerie of rides to test your mettle and your fear of heights. And lots of animals to oogle over and pet. The morning hours were pretty quiet but by lunchtime the crowds started mingling in. For the rest of the day things were pretty lively and festive. I had a good time and I think everyone else did too.
While I was there I took the liberties of drawing the people and scenery, mostly for kicks and some practice at sketching public events with lots of people around. I haven’t inked or watercolored anything due to being pressed for time but nonetheless I think you can appreciate my weekend adventure. Which included this pit stop at the back of the fair where they had the antique tractor exhibition set up. No joy riding unfortunately.
Of course there were animals. What’s a county fair without those? Here was the fair’s barn tent which was one of the first things I drew and the spot where most of them enjoyed all the attention. Most of them were tough to sketch as they didn’t want to stay still. But there was one happy hog who spent the day snoozing away and made a good subject.
Here’s a couple views of the fairgrounds and animals mugging for attention.
And the fair’s music stage which was one of my favorite hangouts.
