The Beginning of Fair Season

Is summer creeping up on us? It must be, there was a traveling fair. The small venues appear as springtime is pushing us toward summer's arrival. They have anywhere between six to ten rides. Several cater to the youngest visitors, yet there are a few for the young at heart too. The smell of fresh cheese curds and elephant ears, captivate the nostrils of the passer byes. The fair magnetizes the innocent drive-by traffic. As luck would have it, even the rain won't slow the good times being had.

I packed up my two girls and headed into town for groceries. Due to the rainy outdoors, bike rides and planting were put aside for another day. Mind you, the girls were not the least bit excited about shopping either, but it needed to be done. We traveled to Schofield hoping to find good deals at the local Quality Foods market. To our astonishment, a fair was fully assembled outside the Shopko Plaza.

I glanced into the rear-view mirror and watched the glee take control of my princesses. The eyes widened with shock and disbelief. "Mommy! Can we please stop at the fair? I promise I will behave!" Both children sported their best puppy dog eyes and hopeful frowns. I am pretty strict and not easily swayed often, but I couldn't resist the tempting carmel apple display and the girls.

The set-up was easy to maneuver around. The food stands were together, the games were in a straight row, and the ticket stand was smack dab in the center of everything. The charge was $20.00 for 14 tickets. Each ride took anywhere between three and five tickets. Boy is that pricey, huh? My offspring grabbed their tickets and jetted to a new destination. As the kids entered their first ride of the season, I glanced around. The rain had not eased in the least, yet their were very happy children screaming and yelling all around us. How wonderful it is; watching youth at play.

I understand that times are tough and that every penny we have should be saved, but I don't buy that. Living life and enjoying time with your loved ones is more valuable than that extra few bucks you saved. Playing games, eating junk food, riding the ferris wheel, and capturing the moment are well worth a few extra bucks. Watching my children's spirits dancing around me and putting a fond memory there; priceless.