The last day of the fair is celebrated with a church service and today the theme was Christmas in July. It was pointed out during the service that the background noises were not unlike those in the manger – cattle lowing, sheep, chickens and shepherd boys, all together.
We sang Christmas carols and worshipped together as a community.
Both Vera and June wanted to sit on Grandma’s lap at the same time.
My poor little hen and chicks in the rock only earned a white ribbon – the rain was very hard on it the week before the fair but I thought planting in a rock would make an interesting display. The judge didn’t agree with me, I guess.
There’s always next year. Just think about all the beautiful plants here at home that could have gone to the fair and done so much better.
Late this afternoon was the greased pig contest and then all exhibits are released. Such a busy week -this week will be the start of canning hot dog relish. I will share the recipe and pictures for any of you who also have cucumbers, peppers and onions in your garden.
Remember ALL judging is subjective? only the judges opinion
Mary Waller – very sweet of you to say. They’ve been in that rock planter for four years unlike some of the entries that bought new succulents a month ago and just transplanted them to a new container. But…nobody asked me- ha!
It does my heart good to hear there was a church service at the end of the fair. If only the rest of the country understood how important that is. I think Iowa is an inspiration for me. Sorry about your hen and chickens, I love your rock and the h&c just set it off nicely.
Martha – thanks for the vote of confidence – like I said, there’s always next year.
Looking forward to the relish recipe. My son was successful twice in the pig scramble, establish a close relationship. Sad at the end.
Looking forward to your relish recipe. Certainly enjoyed your narration of the Fair.
The church service is just one of the many things I miss about Iowa.
Perhaps I missed it… how did Reeds quilt do?? Have really enjoyed all you fair posts… reminds me of Mn oldest county fair ..Blue Earth County Fair in Garden City Mn. It was so much fun going everyday 😊
I loved your description and mental image of you all worshiping in the barn like the first Christmas, and singing carols with other members of the community. What an improved world we’d have if this occurred more often and was more widespread throughout our country. As for the hen and chicks, I would have given you a better ribbon based on the creativity of your display which I thought was quite charming!
Pat – thank you, too, but alas you were not the judge. Next year! The service was really so nice and I would never have thought of the comparison – somebody was thinking!
What a great time you and Reed and family had at the fair. Sorry that your hens and chicks didn’t impress the judge but I thought they were delightful. We enjoyed the Olmsted County Fair here this week too and watched our granddaughter show a heifer, a goat and several things with an alpaca. So, besides seeing the huge horses do their showing and eating some fair food we are sort of sorry to see it end as I am sure you are. Enjoy the next things that you are doing – so enjoy your blog and hearing and seeing everything you, Connie and Reed are up to!!
Kathy – I’m looking forward to a less hectic week! How is Sunny? Did you see the story on FB about the tiny alpaca that weighed only 6 lbs. at birth?
By next year, your hen will have more chicks. Perhaps the judge needs a reminder ~ your Hens & chicks were “born to be awesome, not perfect”!!!
I thought it was very ingenious of you!!
I relished every post on the Fair. It came to such a lovely conclusion today with the church service. I’ll relish your relish recipe next!!!
I have enjoyed all of the posts about the Fair! I am most impressed that your community comes together for a joint Worship Service. What a statement, to you and your neighbors to stand together and Worship.
What a sweet county fair you have there in Iowa, so different than our Topsfield Fair where the “midway” is the main attraction it seems. I love the smaller county fairs and look forward to going to many once we move north. I like seeing the animals, the tractor pulls, chickens, quilts – I think this is what a fair should be! And I love the fact that yours ended with a worship service. Where did you find the perfect rock for your succulents? I’ve seen recipes to make your own “cement” bowls for small succulents and hope to make one eventually. I wish I had cucumbers and peppers but alas, no garden this year. As you say, there’s always “next year”!
Janice -4 years ago when I was gathering tons of rocks for our house construction, I found the rock and dropped it – breaking it in half with a convex half and a concave half. Looked like a planter to me!
Busy week for you all. I think I will try your hot dog relish. Do you use it for anything else?
Paula in KY
Paula – I could eat it right out of the jar. A friend likes it on tuna melts.
I’ve recently changed my email address, and sure have missed your blog posts! Have lots to catch up on!
I really liked your idea of using one half of the rock as a planter. A clever and unique idea.