County Fair

When I was 12-13 years old, I used to attend the Shiawassee County Fair. One year, I actually had a "date." I rode my bike 3-4 miles to meet her, and I had 4 dollars in my pocket. A grand time.

Now, almost 50 years later, I get to see the fair through my grandson's eyes. He's going to be 3 the end of October.

He still isn't very interested in the animals. He wouldn't pet anything, and certainly wouldn't pose with anything. Oh well...maybe next year. But, he does like his kiddy rides.

It's fun for me to see the youngsters showing their animals. Such pride, such enthusiasm, such dedication. Gives you hope for the future.

The hardest part for me was deciding what to wear. To break it down...piece by piece...from bottom to top...

1. Cowboy boots. Should I wear my Justin's or my Tony Lama's? Black or brown? New, or broke in? (I picked the black ones...they hide the spit stains better.)

2. Jeans. Levi's, Lee's,Wranglers, Jordache's, or Calvin Klein's? (Went with the Lee's...they have an expandable waistline.)

3. Belt buckle. The John Deere, or my 1986 Bull Riding Championship buckle? (Chose the bull one...the best 8 seconds of my life.)

4. Western shirt. Buttons, or the one with the pearly white snaps? (Always go with the snaps...easier to get out of...wink, wink.)

5. Cowboy hat. Stetson, Larry Mahan, or my Indiana Jones model? Felt, leather, or straw? (Went with the Indy, but left the whip at home.)

So many decisions.

I actually chose shorts, a floral shirt, and tennis shoes...with a vented baseball hat.

Fun to go with my daughter, and Merrick. Karen brushed up against a little cowgirls boots, and got "something" all over her hand. (How come when you do something like that...you always have to smell it?)Good thing they had hand sanitizer stations around. At least none of us stepped in anything.

Plus...we had a dollar corn dog. (That's just about what it was worth.)

P.S. Forgot my FLICKR LINK. More Merrick shots, and a BUNCH of farm animals. Quit horsing around, and have a look.