Life Lessons Learned at the Fair
This summer will be my first chance to attend the Lemhi County Fair. It will also be the first time I have gone to a fair in nearly 25 years, as my trip to the Tennessee Valley Fair in the first grade was the beginning and end of my fair attendance.
From a young age, I have enjoyed being perfectly dressed, or overdressed, for every occasion. Six-year-old me had the same approach. It was 1994 and I was wearing navy polka-dotted shorts that matched my scrunchie. To be clear, I felt like a fashion icon and was ready to memorialize my look at the caricature artist booth. In my excitement to get to the fair, I skipped the mandatory bathroom stop before we left the house. Piling into the back of my dad’s powder blue 1985 Buick Century, my sisters and I chattered excitedly. The Sandlot was our favorite movie, and everything we knew about the fair came from the iconic carnival scene. We listed off the cotton candy, corn dogs, rides, and games that we hoped to find.
As we entered the gate, my dad spotted an old buddy and they began catching up. Bored, my sisters and I sat down on the curb to wait. That is when I realized that I needed the bathroom that instant. I yanked on Dad’s arm. He ignored me, chalking it up to my lack of manners. The next time he looked down I was standing in a puddle, my polka-dotted shorts warm and wet, with tears of embarrassment streaming down my cheeks. He rushed me home to quickly change, but the damage was done. I was too embarrassed to go back to the fair, and they left me with my grandmother. To this day I cannot believe I missed it! Pride is a terrible thing J
On August 17th, I will get my chance at fair redemption. The Lemhi County Fair kicks off that Saturday and lasts through the week. The closing day is Saturday, August 24. Events will include the Family Fun Night-Alcohol Free, Horse and Dog Races & Ranch Rodeo, the Salmon Stampede PRCA Rodeo, and more. I am looking forward to it, and even have a pair of blue polka-dotted shorts set aside for old time’s sake!
Jumpstart the weekend on Friday, August 16, by catching Sneaky Pete and the Secret Weapons at Sweetwater Hollow. Doors open at 7 PM. The Lemhi County Horse Show is Monday at 9 AM, and the Salmon Stampede PRCA Rodeo rounds out the week Friday, August 23rd at 7 PM. Be sure to check out our weekly events as well, like the Saturday Farmer’s Market, Two Steppin’ Tuesday at the Owl Club, or Wednesday Trivia at the Pork Peddler. Summer is winding down, but not over yet. Get out floating, fishing, or grilling! Make sure to keep an eye out for news about upcoming fall events.
