The weather is beginning to cool down, kids are back in school, and Labor Day is over, that can mean only one thing: State Fair Season!! Wikipedia defines a state fair as a competitive and recreational gathering of a U.S. state’s population. It is a larger version of a county fair, often including only exhibits or competitors that have won in their categories at the more-local county fairs.

For me the State Fair is more than a large gathering it is about the memories I created as a child and continue to build upon today. This years Kansas State Fair is only days away and my mind has been drawn back to the memories of past state fairs…

-Camping in the stock trailer (falling to sleep with the low roar of the carnival rides)
-Munching down on a Pronto pup (a corn dog for those who have never been to the Kansas State Fair)
-Purple ribbons
-Early, Early morning chores
-Livestock shows
-Taking naps on show boxes or straw bales or water buckets
-Racing to the Pride of Kansas Building to see this years Butter Sculpture and Just how large was the ‘Largest Pumpkin?’
-Spending time with my family and friends
-“Grease alley”
-Iced cold Root beer
-The Old Mill ride
-Working as a tour guide through the livestock barns

The memories!! I guess I am somewhat of a State Fair junkie and can never pass up the opportunity to take part in the festivities. Over the years I have been able to attend some great State Fairs in Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Minnesota.

To borrow a line from the Kansas State Fair, take some time and come “Hang with the Hogs” at the Kansas State Fair or your own State Fair. Or share with our readers what your favorite State Fair memory might be?