Have You Been to the Fair?

If you haven't been to the Wilson County Fair, you need to go. Our family loved going to the fair together, and I had the opportunity to go last night. My bud, Chris, went with me where we snacked on corn dogs, funnel cakes, and lemonade.

No fair experience would ever be complete without seeing the livestock exhibits. I'm not necessarily a "cow" person, but they were interesting to see, poop and all. Their breeders were with them, keeping them clean to make sure they were eligible for that big prize.

Later on we saw the rabbits in cages, and one looked like a cow. The white bunny with black speckles was something new to me. I'd never seen one before. I hadn't seen a duck with a "hat" on it's head until last night, either. And those turkeys. The blue ribbon winner was a turkey that's considered rare because it's kind is not raised for meat. Interesting ......

While Chris isn't a big ride person, he did break down and go on the ferris wheel where you can see the lights of the fair. Any kid would be mesmerized. I tried the Ali Baba - the large 22 seat swing that swings 180 degrees - and survived. No, not a nervous stomach, but I admit I did hold on for the 180 degree part. Something never to miss. You should try it.

Then there were the hog races. The MC was quite the actor. He lined up a cheerleader for each hog. The cheerleading queen for one of the pigs in the last race was nominated by her husband (obviously, not a very sympathetic man), and when her pig won, she was given the choice of "snout or ham". Which one would you have chosen? Well, the ham is not on the front end and she just couldn't muster up enough to kiss that pig!

Just down the lane was the juggling act. One man, two man and three man jugglers captivated the little kids in the crowd. When they climbed up to a 50-foot height above the ground to juggle, the audience was amazed.

The highlight of the fair was the hypnotism act. Believable and unbelievable at the same time. When Chris and I got there, there were 15 people on the stage, sitting in chairs, fast asleep. The things the hypnotist made them do! Wow. The first lady was instructed to do her best imitation of Madonna. She strutted around on stage just like Madonna did. The Michael Jackson impersonation was definitely the best performance, moon-walking and all. Even the gloved hand movements were believable. So, was it 'for real'? You can decide when you see it .....

Wilson County's fair is given the highest accolades. If you haven't been, you need to go. Today through August 29. Don't miss it.