Baby blue cotton candy, corn dogs swirled in mustard, fresh popped popcorn, twirling merry-go-rounds, chatter of carnies, cheers of crowds during demolition derby. Smell of 4H livestock – which I call the “smell of money.” Summer is the best time to enjoy these festivals all across the country, including my own Colorado backyard at the family friendly Golden Buffalo Bill’s Days.
With summer comes an abundance of county fairs and community gatherings. My first of many happy memories are of the Harrison County Fair in Missouri Valley, Iowa. Yes, folks, hold on to your hats because the Harrison County Fair was THE biggest event in this small county. I saved my 25 cent allowance all summer too spend at this big all-day family and community event. From riding the merry-go-round to the sheer enjoyment of blue cotton candy and ring toss at the game section, it was a carnival but more than that with 4-H kids presenting their livestock and tractor pulls.