Monday, August 15, 2011

Humboldt County Fair

 
We just got home last night from visiting my parents in Humboldt County, which is a grueling eleven hour drive. I'm trying not to be depressed by the string of 100 degree temps I see forecast for us this coming week because we had a great vacation up in foggy, Northern California. One of the highlights of our summer for years has been the Humboldt County Fair, which is held in the town of Ferndale, California, about ten minutes from my parents' home where we visit every summer. Two years ago, my school changed its schedule, starting school meetings the second Thursday of August, which ended our fair tradition since the fair also always begins the second Thursday of August. This year, because of a one-time alteration to our school schedule, we got one more chance to go to the fair. The picture above is from three years ago, the last time we went to the fair. Paige doesn't look too different, but Kai sure does!
  
This was probably our least expensive fair visit ever. We went on the first day, which happened to be one of three free-admission days, so we saved ourselves the regular six dollar apiece admission. The kids were also not interested in the midway, so we saved ourselves the ten dollar apiece, unlimited-ride tickets we always used to buy too. That meant that the bulk of our time was spent in the animal barns. We all loved it although no on wanted to spent quite as much time as I did.
There's always a newborn calf at the fair, but this was the youngest we've seen--two days old. Awwww. I could have seriously sat there an hour just enjoying his cute, little face.
There weren't a lot of sheep yet since it was the first day of the fair, and the sheep competition was later in the week, but there were some cool ones. Kai said these sheep looked like they had dreadlocks. I think I saw that they were Cotswolds

Of course, I also have to spend time in the home arts building, usually to admire all of the knitted items. I enjoyed it this year, but there wasn't anything that I just had to take a picture of, except for this little miniature display. I've been interested in dollhouses recently, and I think this would be a perfect craft room in a dollhouse.
The Humboldt County Woolgrowers Association always has had this cute, little "shack" every year, but it's gotten better over the years, at least to me. It used to be a celebration of lamb--as in eating it. I have to admit that I have problems with lamb. I really like how it tastes, like in a giro or other Greek cuisine, but they're so cute, I rarely, and I mean really rarely eat it. I don't have the same qualms over it that I have over veal, which I haven't eaten since I was a kid, and don't intend to. I even told that to the guy manning the booth, who obviously loves his sheep. He laughed and said it's no problem if you don't "know" them personally.
The reason that I say that the Bo-Peep Barn is better than ever is that they now sell yarn there. I bought the pink and tan skeins for $12 apiece, which was a bargain. They're from Romney sheep who graze on a hill about two miles from my parents' home. Right now, I'm just letting my bunnies admire them, but I'm thinking that I'll knit them into a bowl and felt it.


8 comments:

c said...

lamb tastes good

TheBlackSheep said...

Looks like fun! I'm glad you got to enjoy it again. But gosh I can't believe those pictures were three years ago. Have I been commenting on your blog for that long? I certainly remember seeing that post. Boy does time fly.

I just love your sheep. Don't you think they need to reside someplace cooler, where their coats will be of use to them? :P


Will it make you feel any better to know that we're actually going to have high summer now too? After freezing all summer, I don't know whether to be happy, or just melt and become one with the humidity.

Kathy at Knitting Off The Grid said...

I love when it's fair season. We're smack in the middle between Lancaster and Bakersfield, so we can attend both the Kern County Fair and the Antelope Valley Fair.

The animals are always a favorite of our family, also.

Two Cables and a Frapp said...

This is a great post and I love the photos. Looking at them I felt as though I could smell the animals and hay. I haven't been to a fair in years. I will have to look online to find one near me ! Love your little knitted toys. Thanks.

Caffeine Girl said...

I LOVE county fairs. I wish mine had a yarn sale -- or maybe not. It's not like a need any more yarn!

Anonymous said...

I have no problem eating lamb, even though I take so many photos of all the cute ones in the fields. Over here, there are now very strict regulations about producing veal - it is no longer the pale veal that comes from cruel conditions, but rose veal from calves that are outdoor reared.

Thimbleanna said...

Those bunnies are screaming that they want another bunny. Listen to the bunnies. You never know what they'll do when you're sleeping if they're not happy.

Looks like you had a great time at the fair!

Willow said...

Awwww, the fair. The Humboldt County Fair in FERNDALE! Wish I had been there!

I don't like lamb or mutton or veal or goat. And I've been a (health inspired) vegan for almost a year now. I don't mind if others eat whatever, I just can't anymore.