Fair Photos

Andy and I are lucky. We like to do the same things, almost all of the time.

And we both love to go to the Oregon State Fair.

It's a new love, really. Only the past three or four years (you might have come with us in 2007, 2008, or 2009). But we look forward to it all summer. It's one of my favorite days.

I love taking photos at the fair. In reality, it's one of the hardest places to take pictures: The barns are dim (so the photos are grainy), the animals are constantly moving, the lighting is horrideously florescent, and no matter what kind of picture you try to take there will inevitably be someone walking right through the back- or foreground of your photo (or something will be about to trample you because you're staring into a camera).  Nevertheless, I see a million scenes I want to capture there.

So I try.

I am fascinated by lifestyles that I can only dream of having. There are a million questions I want to ask, but I am too shy.

So I just take photos, and try to get the feel.

Since I never carry a purse or a bag (I have to have pockets in my skirt for my keys, driver's license, and money), I can carry even a big camera on a shoulder strap pretty easily. And it makes me happier to have it with me. Some people say that the camera sort of distracts them, or makes them miss actually enjoying the moment because they're busy trying to get a photo of it, but for me the opposite is true. I never, ever regret having my camera.

For me, it's sort of like having a pair of glasses. With it, I can focus. I can see.

If you go to the same place over and over, you have a chance to try to see things from other angles.

Because there are so many different stories there!!!

I have to stop myself from trying to kiss farm animals on their noses, the way I do with my own.

But ooooooh, the urge is so there.

Blue ribbon sticking nonchalantly out of her pocket.

This is historic horse show stadium, built in 1921.

A few people told me to be sure and get a milkshake from the Oregon Dairy Women's barn: Totally. I get one every year! It's the best milkshake. It almost has a sour-cream kind of taste. It is amazing.
  

Sometimes you just see a little scene that all works together: The black chair, the blue bar, the aqua wall, the plaid.

Whoooooa. You know how I feel about these (see 2007, where I single-handedly kept suspended the entire chair-lift ride by sheer force of will [I am amazing]).

A fair t-shirt.

Old bikes on display.

Oh yeah. You can't have a fair without pie.

Or canned asparagus.

Admittedly, I have never had a corn dog. And I love the fair. That seems wrong. Some things just won't happen. I was offered one this year, but I impolitely (if you consider screaming "NO!" and mock-barfing impolite) declined.

Old timey photos on the outside of the exhibition hall.

New timey marionettes.

Ahoy, polloi!

Andy, Judge Smails called and said he wants his shoes back.

Comments

[Kathy]

What a delightful visit to the fair! Thanks for sharing with us. We go to the FL state fair, which takes place in February, quite often. The foods of choice there are strawberry shortcake and deep-fried everything. (Snickers bars come to mind.)

[Lynda M O]

What a fun day you have each year !~!

[Kar]

Thanks for taking us on your trip to the fair. I just wish we had a big state fair and not just a regional fair. Not complaining. I'm happy with what we have. I just want more of it. :) At least you had great weather to enjoy it all, including the milk shakes!

[Lelya]

I brought my camera to state fair...and then took like five pictures. I usually take tons of photos but for some reason I kept forgetting it. Thanks for all your pics!

[Rachel P.]

I love the fairs as well, especially the barns.

Just so you know, you can go up and ask the kids about their animals. I do all the time and have found that kids really want to tell you about their animals and are very proud of their work. The kids are always nice and you get to pet (or kiss, I'm sure) their animals rather than just walk past and look.

I grew up in the country in Wisconsin but my husband is a city slicker so I make him go with me and pet the animals. It is good for him.

Just make sure to wash your hands after every barn! :)

[Natalie VV]

Ever since I started reading your fair posts, I have found a new appreciation for the fair that comes to our corner of California.

[Gloria]

My husband and I love visiting the Fair, and seeing all of those sweet animals...:)
Beautiful photos, thanks for sharing!

[Alisa]

I'm going to take my camera to the fair this year, for the first time. I'm easily distracted, so I hope I remember it's hanging from my neck and I get some good shots.

[Vicki K]

We like to Do the Puyallup. My favorite must-stops have always been the quilts, the scones and the baby pigs. They always have at least two or so litters of piglets and I love the way they vie for position on the mom. Now I have two more favorites - the spinners and the goats.

[Elizabeth]

My husband calls the Oregon Dairy Women the "Milk Maidens." Their soft serve ice cream is unlike any other! Thank you for the beautiful pictures. I love the nonchalent blue ribbon.

[Annette]

I love the composition of all your photographs! Thank you for sharing.

[Ana]

Corn dogs look scary to me. I don't think I could have one. As for the fair... that I would like (and liking the same things as my husband most of the time would be nice too ;-) )

[Kathy]

How in the WORLD have you not had a corn dog? I am shocked! They are heaven on a stick! Deliciousness!

And I agree with Rachel! Ask them about their animals! What they do to take care of them, how long it takes, what they feed them, how they clean them, babies, anything. They will talk on and on and on and on if they have someone interested!

[Amanda]

Corn Dogs are not all that they are cracked up to be - and trust me I am Templeton the rat when it comes to the fair! Oh it looks like you guys had a wonderful time :) and we are glad you keep your camera with you too.

[patty]

I am so impressed you can get around sans purse - I always have some gigantic thing stuffed with too much. The photos are great - completely nose-kissable animals!

[Kelly]

Loved this post, Alicia. We, too, sort of end up at the same 8 or 9 spots in rotation (gardens, the zoo, the aquarium) -- and I'm always surprised to discover there is something there I've never photographed before -- or at least not quite in that way. It's like being a secret detective or something.

[Christine]

Wonderful post! I grew up in Wisconsin and your pictures are my memory of a state fair. I live in LA now and tried to recapture the feeling by going to the CA state fair a few years ago but was so disappointed (sorry LA). Of course the day I went, it was hotter than hades which I'm sure didn't help. Your photos are wonderful and invoke such nostalgia, thank you! Oh, and I've never had a corn dog and doubt I ever will. :)

[kristi]

The picture of the girl with the ribbon in her back pocket brings a little tear to my eye. I grew up showing dairy cows, but I was not nearly as stylish as that girl. We had to wear all white and paper hats with numbers that looked like butcher hats. Not the most flattering look. I love how serious they all look. I used to get so nervous when I had to go in the ring. Big cow, small girl, not always a good combination.

[Asha]

I love, love, love the New York State Fair. We live an hour away and go EVERY SINGLE YEAR. I've been there 9 months pregnant, toting a newborn, this year I didn't feel well. I never miss the fair. I too would rather take the picture than 'enjoy the moment' because I think you can do both. The picture lasts forever and can take you back to that moment for a lifetime. Never forget the camera. True story: One year (over ten years ago) I decided this one year was going to be the year to have the corndog for the first time. I anticipated it the whole day. After paying for it, I walk over to my aunt and took a bite, it was pretty good. My aunt asked for a bite. Of course I said yes. She took a huge bite and her dentures stayed on the corndog. I lost my appetite and haven't had one since.

[Aimee]

Absolutely LOVED this post--made me SO want to go to a state fair (or eat cotton candy or kiss a goat)! And now (boo!) I have to wait till next summer:(

I totally agree with you about cameras--they add to my experiencing the place and time! It makes the moments anywhere just the sweeter!

Blessings, Aimee

[Janet]

Thank you for the pictures. I want to kiss some of those animals too! We don't have a State Fair here in Michigan anymore, it was a victim of our terrible economy. Maybe some day it will be back, I sure hope so.

[evylynn]

Those are incredible pictures! It looks like you had a great time. No wonder you go every year!

[jess @ fushmush]

oh I love that t-shirt. It is so cute!

[AnEmily]

We went Saturday! I love the fair, but it took some convincing (about ten minutes) and a deep fried twinkie until the kids believed it wouldn't be lame.
I think I just love the animals the most. How I wish I could have lived on a farm and been in 4H! Those kids always look so proud.

[For the Love...]

Seeing your pics of your visit to the State Fair reminded me of when I was a child and the fun I had going to the Nebraska State Fair with my family. Your photos are beautiful.