County fairs make for fond memories

There are some things you just never forget about your childhood.

One of those annual rituals for me is going to the local fair wherever my family happened to be residing at the time.

Most years that was at the Puyallup Fair in western Washington with visits to the Jones County Fair in Iowa one summer and one in Billings, Mont.

With fair season upon us again, I anticipate experiencing those fond memories that seem to stay the same no matter what fair I go to: The smell of barbecue pork, sounds of children making the most of a go on a roller coaster ride or the sight of cowboys toughing it out in the rodeo ring.

I remember my first rodeo as an elementary-aged child.

Even though I was never a cowgirl, just watching the action inside the ring — up close and feeling the sprinkle of dirt kick up in my face — I felt just as much a cowgirl as the real ones out in the ring.

Then there are the stories that are not dinner table humor, but make you laugh all the same.

Like the time I went on an octopus ride with my cousin Heidi at the Jones County Fair in Iowa.

She had just eaten lunch while I, with good reason, decided to wait until after the ride to eat.

Of course within minutes of going around and around, Heidi's lunch didn't stay down for long and the experience was shared with several other fair goers that year!

It's moments like that I know I'll never forget and in their own odd way, make for memorable moments of summer days spent at the fair.

I can't forget about seeing the vegetable displays, children showing animals with the local 4-H clubs, art work and the hobby hall.

Even queuing up for that long-awaited elephant ear smothered with cinnamon or a fresh slice of peach pie with ice cream is always worth it.

And even though fair week is especially busy for those organizing and participating in fair events, there is also a peace amongst all the goings on.

No matter how sticky, hot or dirty any of us get after spending 10 to 12 hours or more at the fair every day, seeing people from near and far come together for a week of fun where kids can be kids and even the adults find the child at heart within them, is a thought that brings a smile to the face.

Going this year not only as a spectator for personal enjoyment, but as a reporter, I anticipate getting a more inside look at the fair and asking people what they enjoy most, why they came and what keeps them coming back.

To many more memories at this year's 2005 Grant County Fair!

Aimee Hornberger is the Columbia Basin Herald's health and education reporter, but next week, like many of us at the Herald, she'll be covering the Grant County Fair.