Ever since I was a little girl, the month of August has been synonymous with the Iowa State Fair. My parents and I camped at the fair from when I was just a baby until my college years, then they began camping again after Bailey was born. When you spend as much time at the fair as I have, you begin to feel like it's a second home. It's one of the few places where I actually know my way around!
When we lost my mom back in 2008, it became very difficult for me to go to to the fair. So many of my memories of the fair were caught up with memories of my mom that it was painful to be there without her. It's taken a few years for me to start to enjoy the fair again, but my mom loved the fair and would want us to get out there and enjoy it, so that's what I try to do.
One of the best ways for me to stay focused during fair time is to take LOTS of pictures...yes, even those I've taken in years past. I especially enjoy taking pictures at the Agriculture Building, one of my favorite places at the fair. I'm not a vegetable gardener, but there is something about this building that makes me think that I COULD be.
When we lost my mom back in 2008, it became very difficult for me to go to to the fair. So many of my memories of the fair were caught up with memories of my mom that it was painful to be there without her. It's taken a few years for me to start to enjoy the fair again, but my mom loved the fair and would want us to get out there and enjoy it, so that's what I try to do.
One of the best ways for me to stay focused during fair time is to take LOTS of pictures...yes, even those I've taken in years past. I especially enjoy taking pictures at the Agriculture Building, one of my favorite places at the fair. I'm not a vegetable gardener, but there is something about this building that makes me think that I COULD be.
We were concerned that the drought would affect the crops, but (with the exception of apples and other tree fruits) the competition was just as rigorous as usual.
Could these vegetables be any more beautiful?
In the Agriculture Building, you'll also find our world-famous butter cow sculpture.
This year, there's the butter cow...
...and a butter Snow White and Seven Dwarfs!
On the grounds of the Agriculture Building, you'll find the Big Pumpkin contest entries. This year I believe there were nine ginormous pumpkins. Can you imagine growing this in your backyard? It takes a lot of work to grow a pumpkin worthy of this contest!
Here's a fairy garden planted in a bird bath. After watching a presentation on fairy gardens at the fair this year, I think I might like to make one someday.
I love how this blue chair has found a new purpose as a trellis.
Click on the college for a closer look at some of the garden areas near the Agriculture Building.
Watch for more fair posts in the days to come, including my annual Sheep Fashions report!
Janet
Thanks for sharing your pictures! I did two fairy gardens this year. I found my supplies at the Garden Barn on the way to Indianola. I have the cutest metal miniature arch ways, benches, chairs, watering cans, birdbaths, birdhouse.
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