Saturday we headed out about an hour to Ohio and the Canfield Fair. It’s one of the largest county fairs around – so big the fair streets are paved. They are also named complete with corresponding street signs. When asking for directions to the bathroom, don’t be surprised if someone says, “Go down a block then turn right on Smith Ave.”
We went because we heard there was a great variety of animals for the kids to see. We started with the cows.
Natalie was the only one interested in trying her hand at milking.
Next we went to the poultry and rabbit house. There were a TON of roosters… all crowing at each other and us.
Ryan told me it was too noisy.
We moved pretty quickly to the rabbit side of the barn.
This is one of Ainsley’s favorite.
We watched a sheep shearing demonstration at which point the kids wondered aloud if the sheep like getting their hair cut.
2 sheep and 16 pounds of wool later, I’d say they were happy to have the blankets off their backs.
There was also a petting barn where Natalie held a fidgety rabbit.
and a baby chick.
Henry and I were happy to find there were a good number of equestrian shows. We watched a riding competition on draft horses. I had no idea people rode draft horses. I’ve always thought of them as field workers or wagon pullers. They were HUGE!
There were tons of other riding competitions and even some jockey races with speed horses, but the kids were so hot and thirsty we only watched the one.
In fact the kids were so grumpy we finally resorted to deducting funds from their $10 fair allowance. It was a little harsh, $1 deduction for every whine, but it only took $1 for Natalie and $2 for Ainsley for them to get the point. They really wanted to be able to spend a few bucks after lunch. It was much more pleasant after that.
Ryan and I sat in the shade sipping lemonade while Henry and the girls went looking for games and rides. While out and about, they met this man on stilts who asked to take a picture with Henry. He could tell, even from his vantage point, that Henry is a Giant! I always find it funny the number of requests Henry gets for having his picture taken with people. (True story – he just went to one of those race track experiences and the famous driving coach asked to have his picture taken with Henry saying he’d never been in a car with someone so tall.)
We might go back to the fair next year, but not if it’s over 80 degrees. It would’ve been much more enjoyable without the sweltering heat.
Comments (3)
Out of curiousity, how tall is Henry? I’m 5’5 and my husband is 5’6. When we go out, I’m always taller because I like to wear 3-4 inch heels. I have a hard time referencing height above about 5’9. It would be interesting to see the difference in how people (strangers I mean) treat Henry compared to a short man (or at least what our society deems is short). I can tell you from experience that people (usually women) treat shorter men with less regard.
Henry’s 6’9″. For a frame of reference, the standard door frame is 6’8″ so he ducks through most doorways. He is either stared at or ignored, but always remembered.
I wouldn’t have guessed 6’9″ at all. Sitting in airplanes and at the movies must be uncomfortable for Henry, I feel like I don’t have enough room in those confined seats. I guess we have similar problems buying our husbands clothes/shoes just at opposite ends of the spectrum. =)