It never fails: Every year around September, with autumn closing in, I get Fair Fever — a term that I coined just now, actually! Being from the Midwest, you’d think that I would have grown up going to the fair every single year and while I did go to my fair share (pun intended…) of corn festivals in my hometown, I don’t remember going to many big-time fairs.
Nothing as big and grand as a classic Midwest fair in the early fall, at least. And then two years ago, my mom and I ventured to the Sandwich Fair, and, in a word (well, five words): It felt like coming home! It was beautiful and magical and everything that you think of when you picture the Heartland. From that first experience, I was hooked!
So this year, Janelle got to go with us, and we had quite the time, friends!! We decided to go on a weeknight when it wouldn’t be so crowded, so we picked my mom up right after school and made a beeline down the country road to fun. The weather was perfect — warm and sunny — and we could just feel the excitement as we pulled up onto the grassy knoll to park our car.
We had such a fun afternoon!! Here’s the photographic proof because you know I took a TON of photos…
We saw the cutest animals and they really responded to my mom. I think it’s because she has such a calming presence… 🐄🐏🐑🐖
Delicious food! Shout-out to my middle school counselor, whose church ran an amazing food stand!! Thanks, Mrs. Curran!! 🍔🍟
And, OMG, I tried elephant ears for the first time!! How have I gone 38 years without tasting this delicious slice of heaven?!?!? 🐘🐘
Vintage farm equipment! How cool are all those colors? 🚜🚜
And of course, I had my two favorite people to share the experience with!! In what has become a family tradition, I made sure to snap a photo of her ankles since she hates being in photos!
I also made sure to wear my festive corn shirt because I’m the most Midwestern person to ever Midwest. After all, I am a down-home Carrie Bradshaw. Yes, the Heartland is my home!! Forever and ever and ever!
How cute was Ms. Bear too?? I’ll be doing a post soon on her pose behind the fern because that’s become her classic pose — she likes to pose behind things!!! Too cute, right?!?!?
As they sang in “Meet Me in St. Louis” (one of my faves!): “Meet me at the fair!” Did you go to any fairs this year?? Do you get wrapped up in all the fanfare of food, fun and merriment?? It’s all overwhelming in the best way possible, if you ask me!! xoxo 🎡🎡🎡
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Emily says
I loved this!! My favorite photo was the smiling goat – but they were all wonderful and brought me right there with you guys. Double inspiration while I have Hallmark’s Under the Autumn Moon playing on the tv in the background (unabashed viewer)… If you have any suggestions for weekend festivals outside Manhattan that I should try out, I would love to learn about them. Thank you!
Karen Doll says
LOVE your photo diary, Melissa!!!
Oh, where to start…love the animals, of course, love that your sweet little trio is wearing matching black shirts (and that Mrs. Bear’s says, New York City, talk about Midwestern moxie!!!!), love your corn shirt, love that ginormous Elephant Ear and NO WAY did you eat that entire ear!!!, always love the whole fair vibe, and love that you had a lovely sunny day with no crowds!!!
You are just TOOOO CUTE for words!! In light of your recent Twitter troubles, you continue to SHINE brightly and be a true inspiration and warrior for us all. You take all those sour lemons the trolls drop at your door and squish them all up into sweet lemonade!!! Kudos to you-dos, Melissa Blake!!!!! And, keep on keepin’ on!!!!!
Lisa says
Melissa,
I love your photos!! Fall and Fall festivals are my favorite time of year! Thank you for sharing your day! The pictures and writings are terrific! Food looked yummy, animals are adorable and you are a beautiful person!!
I do not use or have twitter but I will follow your blog as your blog is fun and interesting! Do not listen to people who are negative and mean. Those people are suffering within themselves and want to hurt others as they are hurting.
Your are a positive and beautiful person. Surround yourself with the same type of people and know I and many other positive and happy people support, care and only want the best for you! God Bless
Kris says
Hi Melissa!
I loved all the photos, especially the animals! I love going to fairs and festivals. My favorite part of fall, besides Halloween!
You have such a fun personality and are cute as a button. You’ve got a new follower in me!
René says
i like your photos and im not usually a blog person, but you got me on the train! 🙂 keep up the good photos and dont care about dumb people who dont love them self and want to hurt others… you seems like the most kind person in the world.
Jean Battey says
Melissa, Love your photos from the fair. Made me very nostalgic…I grew up in a farming community in Ohio where there were more dairy cows than people. FFA and 4-H were a major part of our lives as kids. Even though I was a “townie” and my involvement was with 4-H sewing and cooking, my favorite part of the county fair was the farm animals (and of course checking out the boys in FFA!). Thank you for sharing your adventure.
Natalie says
Lovely photos, looks like such a fun afternoon! I would love to visit the Midwest some day, especially in the autumn. The US always does things bigger and better than the U.K.
I found your blog through the article on the BBC website. And what a find! Loved your article on Taylor Swift too, she’s definitely a 2019 mood.
Best wishes from England!