One of Life’s pleasures: The Howard County Fair

There's not much that's more fun than a county fair coupled with a good carnival.

By good I mean rides that threaten to make you ill just by looking at them as you meander through the bright lights of the midway.

The smell of popcorn and funnel cakes filling the air tantalizing you to make a decision – eat now and risk the ascension of bile on the ride or ride now and risk losing track of time and missing the midway fare.

The great thing is that there's something for everyone. Fair and carnival. Carnival or fair. If the carnival isn't your thing the fair has

all kinds of booths and vendors to explore.

Of course there's the usual businesses offering information and free pens and koozies; some offering sweet treats or fall themed attire.

If you want to get a grasp of what your friends or neighbors have been up to in their off time, take a gander at the fine arts – paintings and photography; or the crafts, cookies and pickling jars filled with relishes and peppers some grown in the makers' own garden; or take a look at what the elementary school students made with their own hands, they are always guaranteed to bring a smile.

This year there was even a boot decorating contest and a sunset photography

contest.

Both are new to the fair as far as I can remember. There was also a rodeo complete with bull riding and rodeo clowns in the arena where a crowd had gathered to watch the fray.

Sunday, there was a car show for lovers of classic motor vehicles.

Whatever your fancy, the fair and/ or carnival can be a joy for the whole family, a date or just to go and do nothing else but pet the animals at the petting zoo, take in a concert or enjoy the beer garden.

Granted, the fair has shrunk quite a bit over the years. Covid really did a number on everything, but this year's carnival hopefully is an indication

of greater participation in the years to come.

There are people who are too busy or maybe some think it's too old fashioned, but there is a certain amount of sentimental happiness that occurs when I go. When I was little I went with my grandmother or my family. Later with my husband and son until he got grown.

This year's fair results is a little short, but I anticipate a longer one next year. Maybe we'll get to see decorated cakes, cookies, clothing and bread next year.

So while we think about what to paint, draw, decorate, grow in our gardens or bake for next year, here are this year's results:

HERALD photos/andreia Medlin Families and friends gather on the midway while fans of the carousel take a selfie at the Howard County Fair. This year’s fair also featured musical guests Tracy Byrd and Coffey Anderson, a rodeo, a beer garden and a car show.