As it Turns Out, Fairs Have ... Animals.

Okay, lest someone call me ridiculously uninformed, I did know that fairs had animals, I just didn't realize one could actually view them.

Growing up, the county fair, held the second week of August, was a big deal. A HUGE deal, actually, as it included the town's only parade longer than 2 minutes. It tended to run a whole hour, which was an eternity in a small town like ours. But more than just the parade, the entire fair was a big deal.

Over all of my years of fair-going, however, I don't remember a livestock portion - until the the "proper" fair grounds opened, long after the magic had worn off and I had left home. Even then, I am quite sure I never actually visited any of the animals.

Until yesterday.

Himself was working (again), so Woodstock and I ventured out to the state fair. Right off, I knew it was going to be good - I got shaded street parking 1.5 blocks away, negating the need to pay $5 to park in a dirt lot in the full sun. I wasn't exactly sure what we were going to see or do at the fair, after all, my total budget for the event was the $6.50 entrance ticket.

Soon after arriving, however, I discovered ... the animals. Lots and lots of animals. Whole warehouse-style barns full of animals. Woodstock shrieked in delight. Every square inch of her body vibrated in ecstasy as she realized that the animals were all at her eye level.

She loved the sheep the most - naked (sheared) little critters who shoved their shiny black noses through the metal gates to sniff her out. She giggled - even after being covered in sheep snot when one sneezed on her as we passed by (I didn't think that was quite so funny).



I eventually gave in and held Woodstock so she could actually pet some of the sheep noses being thrust in her direction. She squealed and giggled and bounced up and down. I tried to keep her from leaping into (or sucking on) the sheep's pen and snap a photo of her petting the sheep, resulting in the rather poor attempt at "illustration of a moment" above.

We also visited the cows, goats and the pigs. The goats brought just as much elation as the sheep (and more worry from me, as I had visions of goats gnawing on Woodstock's t-shirt if we got too close). Woodstock was only mildly interested in the cows until she got eye-level with a month-old calf. Suddenly, cows were something small, furry and active - her definition of an exciting animal.

Hours later, having exhausted my $6.50 worth of little girl giggles, we headed for home, exhausted.

As it turns out, fairs with animals make for pleasant outings with little ones. We just might be back next year.