Reflections upon the fair of 2009

The fair is over and so is that part of my vacation.

But, I have to admit, this year's Shasta District Fair was one of the most pleasant fairs I've had the pleasure to work at or even attend.

This whole spring has been an interesting ride, that's for sure.

The grandstand entertainment during the fair may not have packed in a full house, but the majority of the seats were always filled. Overall, fair attendance was up and that is a good thing.

One thing I did notice while scooting around the grounds on my trusty electric bike was that people were in good spirits. I don't know how all the vendors did with the current economy, but I did see plenty of people buying and eating fair food. Personally, I can't resist the kettle corn or a corn on the cob along with a chocolate-vanilla swirled ice cream cone on occasion during a five-day fair.

As the fair's official photographer, I see and photograph everything from the Pepsi Stage entertainment to the livestock barns. I shot both of the "D" Derbies - diapers and destruction. The ruts are still on the infield where the old wreckers bogged a foot deep in the ground spinning their wheels as they struggled for traction.

I also entered some things in the fair this year. My bougainvillea plant took a blue ribbon, while my asparagus fern and succulent ensemble each netted a second place. It all tallied up to a whopping thirteen bucks in prize money, but hey, that buys cat food and my cat appreciates that.

I also found out that only management employees, board members and their families are prohibited from entering exhibit categories at the fair.

Next year, I hope to have a different plant that catches the judges' eyes. It was fun!

And the work, well riding around the fairgrounds on a two-wheel scooter is much more enjoyable when the weather is perfect. There were a couple unpleasant moments when I was getting spattered with mud and muck from the livestock barns or destruction derby. The dunk tank also had me keeping my distance. Good thing I have a telephoto lens.

I really enjoy listening to the auctioneers' song during the sale. I never will figure out how they do it. Each seems to have his own style of garble between bids or pleas for bids. They all do a great job and most of the kids seem to take home fair (no pun intended) money.

The two Friday night grandstand entertainers were fabulous on stage and back stage. Both were gracious with some 30 fans lining up as the celebrities patiently accommodated them for photos and signing everything from guitars to shirts to back stage passes. I wouldn't have wanted to be in their shoes.

Now that the fair is over, my scooter must go to the shop for maintenance. It took a beating this year going over the bumpy infield to shoot car races and demolition derby.

Some of the derby cars had to spend the night, buried in the muck that even tow trucks couldn't help.

The wine tasting venue will most likely be back undaunted by that short squall that came and went that fast. It dampened the grounds, but most of the crowd that had already gathered, toughed it out. Some fairgoers planned well with umbrellas that came in handy.

But the smiles prevailed. I know, I was there on the scooter after the rain stopped and I didn't see a disgruntled face. They probably already left, anyway.

One thing you can never count on is the rain. It has put the damper on many an event in this part of the state and it can happen any year.

Be thankful it wasn't 110 degrees. I know the animals were glad for that.

Say what you may, we still have a pretty good fair. Hats off to everyone who chipped in to make it happen. It's a lot of work. I know!