We just returned from the Dakota County Fair in Farmington, which has become a tradition for our family — just as it was for my parents, who took my siblings and me every year when we were young.
The beauty of the county-fair scene is the ease and access — simpler parking, smaller crowds, plenty of furry friends, and fried foods. The 4-H teens are friendly and patient with young visitors. We encourage Maria to ask questions about their animals. (She is particularly interested in their bowel movements — frequency, method, and location of the deposit, etc.)
The pony rides were a hit with both girls.
So was the cotton candy — a good exercise in sharing.
And a word for those parents who may cringe at the combination of livestock and cotton candy: There are hand sanitizers conveniently stationed outside each livestock building. Not to mention how handy it is to already be toting baby wipes when you’ve got a little one in diapers. I am amazed how versatile those wipes are!
Maria also loved the carousel. She was sure she had scored the prettiest horse of all.
The Dakota County Fair runs from August 7-13. Kids 5 and under are free.
Although the majority of Minnesota’s county fairs have wrapped, there are still a number yet to open their doors. Check out this site for details.
Christina Ries is a freelance writer who lives with her husband and two young girls in Inver Grove Heights.
