This week I had an opportunity to visit the county fair.  To some of you, that may not sound like much of a big deal.  For those of you reading from elsewhere in the world, there are many states in the United States, and counties within those states that host an annual fair.  In this neck of the woods, the fair is one of the biggest events of the year.  

It is HUGE.

The fairground is a giant plot of ground that for 11 months of the year is a fairly dormant.  Fair week, it comes alive.  The center stage is a grandstand that hosts an assortment of live entertainment. There are show rings for horses in many events, including working draft horses.  If you have never seen a Clydesdale or Percheron in person, it is a treat.  They have feet larger than dinner plates!

There are multiple barns that house hundreds of animals.  For many, the fair is the culmination of their work.  They have raised animals in hopes that the animal may bring a blue ribbon, or even be sold at the end of the fair as is, or in auction.  There are barns for rabbits, pigs, goats, dairy and beef cows, chickens and ducks.  The barns are always a favorite for me, eyeing up the feathers and furs that could become flies… and amazed by the time and care these animals are given to get them ready for display.

There are buildings to house all of the “non-animal” on display as well.  Each building represents a category, and I am sure I cannot name them all.  There are arts and crafts of numerous categories, vegetables, flower arrangements, baked goods, canned goods, and the list goes on and on.  The great thing about the fair is the opportunity for people of all ages to participate.  There are categories for kids and adults alike.

It is a place where you can see your neighbor has grown the perfect tomato, or your friend has a hidden talent for painting or photography.  It is a reunion for some people.  It is a place for others to open doors yet unseen.  There was a woman working a spinning wheel.  When asked what she was spinning, she explained it was ramie… a plant fiber like hemp or flax.  She stated she was just learning the craft.  Everyone is willing to share his or her passion.

Aside from the contests, entertainment, and displays, the fair is about the food.  I spent some time doing my homework.  It was my first visit to this particular fair, and I wanted to be sure I enjoyed my food experience!

There were two recommendations I decided I would take.  One recommendation was to be sure to stop at the dairy barn.  The local dairy group makes ice cream from the milk collected from the cows each day.  THAT was some incredible ice cream!

The second recommendation was for lunch.

For lunch, I would seek out a gyro.

Not just any gyro.

I was looking for the gyro from “The Greek Guy”. 

I walked the aisles of food vendors for what seemed miles.  There is certainly no shortage of food!  I found a gyro stand, but it did not seem very “Greek” to me.  I kept walking.  I was walking the last aisle, thinking I was missing something, when I saw it… Vlahos Gyros.  THAT had to be it!

I walked up, and a pleasant woman with a Greek accent took my order.  The man who created my sandwich was none other than Mr. Vlahos himself!  I was not disappointed with my gyro, and walked away with a smile, a great photo of Mr. Vlahos, and a piece of baklava to sample, compliments of the owner!

When I got home, I did some research online and found the Vlahos family has been in the gyro business for a long time.  They travel around from venue to venue sharing their little bit of Greece with this part of the country.  I am so happy I met them, and thank The Princess for the recommendation!  You know who you are!

That is the fair. 

It is about families and community.  It is about hard work and having fun.  It is about tradition and reunions.  It is about so much of what I love in this country.   It was a long overdue visit.

I participated in the county fair when I was a kid.  I had a wonderful leader in my local 4-H program.  She was patient and kind and helped a group of girls hone our sewing skills into something worthy of a contest that the county fair.  Perhaps I will find a way to participate in the fair again. 

I know next month, there is another fair in the area. 

The Vlahos family will be there.

So will I.