County Fair

The highlight of the year for the family is the County Fair! Folks come from miles around and there's excitement in the air! They come to ooh! and aah! at things displayed with pride, And scream at the stomach-churning thrill of a carnival ride! Ma entered an assortment of cookies, cakes and pies, Hoping to pick up coveted blue ribbons for First Prize. The 4-H kids displayed hordes of rabbits, chickens and goats. They nibble their finger nails awaiting the judges' votes! Pa fusses over the Poland China hog he entered in its division. Ah! The ribbon for Best of Show he can already envision! He readied old Toro for show - his prized Black Angus bull, And registered his John Deere tractor for the tractor pull! The kids ambled off to the carnival to watch the clowns on stilts. Ma sauntered through the arts and crafts show admiring quilts. This bores Pa to tears and he seeks a bale of hay in the cattle barn, To sit and gab with neighbors to enjoy many a raucous yarn! The day ends - they've eaten hot dogs and cotton candy galore! 'Twas a wonderful summer interlude to add to the family lore. Ma and the kids are excited since in prizes they did excel, But Pa is rather grumpy since in prizes he didn't fare as well! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired © All Rights Reserved