Meet me at the rocket

I promised to tell you about the Weber family's foray into the crowded and cacophonous world of the One-Hundred Fiftieth South Carolina State Fair, and I am here to make good on my word.

Let me first say that until this year, I had not set foot on the fairgrounds in downtown Columbia since the early aughts.

That's because, having gone to the fair once in 2002, I declared that I never needed to go again.

It's okay but just not necessarily my scene. I'm not alone in these sentiments, either; if you ask ten people their opinion on this subject, I'll bet five of them agree with me. Okay; maybe four.

At any rate, that didn't keep four hundred thousand South Carolinians from attending the fair this year.

My presence there can be explained thusly: I was inspired back in August by family members of my dear friend and blogging buddy Mari's having entered art projects into their community fair in Michigan.

Reading her post on the subject, I decided to enter a picture into the amateur photography division of our state fair's art exhibits.

The one I chose was a 20x30 canvas from a shoot I did two years ago in Union County, South Carolina.

And although unlike Mari's son-in-law and granddaughter, I neither won, placed, nor showed, I did sell my picture to a fairgoer for a handsome profit, and the buyer is eager to see more of my work in a similar vein.

So there's that.

Naturally, the reason we all wanted to go to the fair was to see my work exhibited with the hundreds of other entries.

And just as naturally, while there we were going to ride rides and indulge in fair fare.

When attending the South Carolina State Fair, what you say to anyone whose arrival you want to be aware of so that you can find one another and walk the midway together is, meet me at the rocket.

Due to the rocket's size, it's easy to find. This year was the rocket's fiftieth birthday, and it had candles.

So TG and I met up with Erica, Chad, Audrey, and Dagny at the base of said rocket, and together we began walking and taking in the sights.

Dagny was keen to ride rides but she was also hungry. After getting her a slice and sitting for a bit while she ate it (I may have eaten one too), we all rode the smaller ferris wheel.

The larger Celebration Wheel was snazzier and the gondolas cushier, but it also took more tickets to ride it. Being simple folk and wanting our tickets to go further, we opted for the standard wheel.

I don't like heights but I managed to keep it on the rails for the duration of the ride.

The sparkling midway looks charming from that vantage point; I'll give it that.

My kids rode more daring rides such as that one that looks like a giant claw that goes all the way upside down while you're in its grasp. But I practically faint just thinking about doing such a thing.

I love the way the carousel swing ride looks -- it's by far my favorite fair ride to gaze at -- but I would never ride it.

Dagny wanted to and probably would have (with Aunt Erica), but she wasn't tall enough. Next year.

In due time we got hungry again and TG and I bought a bucket of Fiske French Fries.

They were really fresh and good, and we got to keep the plastic bucket. I'm just sure I'll find a use for it.

I kept on going at the Elephant Ear trailer, knowing that was an indulgence i could in no way afford.

Dagny rode the giant slide by herself. Audrey, Dagny, and I took a spin on a small roller coaster that was so bumpy and twisty that I feared I had hurt my back.

But I hadn't! I'm made of sterner stuff than that.

Soon enough -- about the time we were all getting tuckered out -- we had used up most of our tickets and decided to head for home.

But not before -- spurred on by TG, who was insistent -- we took Dagny to see the pig races.

Swifty Swine, they're called. Exactly two groups of four pigs each participated in two races. The whole thing took all of five minutes, counting the buildup and the aftermath.

But at least we can say that we saw pigs race. Not everyone can make that claim.

A spin past the petting zoo was necessary too, and you wouldn't believe the number of hugely pregnant goats.

I guess that means there'll be a bumper crop for next year. There were llamas too, and I guess other types of barnyard denizens.

Despite my general misgivings, the entire experience was positive and I can see us doing a repeat on a crisp October evening in 2020.

God willing.

And that is all for now.

=0=0=0=

Happy Monday :: Happy December

Comments

[Mari]

Yay Jenny! I love your photo and I think I need to remind you that you were at the State Fair and they were at a county fair. If you had entered your photo there - you would have won best of show!
I remember when you took that photo and I love it!
It's even better that you sold it. Someone has great taste.
Looks like Dagny had a great time too.
I've never seen a swifty swine race. :)
PS - we rarely go to the fair either, but when family is exhibiting something, you need to go!

[Jennifer]

@Mari ... Oh girl she did have a ball and the pigs racing one another were actually adorable. Alaina and Ruby would've been wild about it. And I hear you re county vs state fair ... I took that into account. Actually, the fact that someone wanted to buy it meant more than the judges giving it a ribbon. Maybe it's because I like folding money so much, hahahaha ... but when I went to pick it up from the fairgrounds prior to selling it, a couple of workers told me that the judges think photos mounted on canvas are one-dimensional and dull (color-wise). So I guess next year I'll enter a traditional print matted and framed. But it was a great experience and I really do owe you one for inspiring me to do it! xoxo

[Jane]

It looks like everyone had a fun time, pig racing sounds interesting. I'm glad your picture sold, I liked it better than the ones around it.

[Jennifer]

@Jane ... thank you! There were many gorgeous photos there. I hope to do better next year. xoxo

[Barb]

Rather you than me, but Dagny does look happy... I cannot abide crowds or loudness or swirling rides. My grandkids have none of these qualms. Your photo was great - the people will love it.

[Jennifer]

@Barb ... I know, right? NOT my scene but we did have an interesting time. It's fun to do something different from time to time! I hope they do like it and I hope they buy more, hahahaha xoxo