Sometimes, what seems like a wonderful idea, is in reality and excercise in civic-mindedness and heat tolerance. For example, the county fair.  It seems like the idealic summer family activity. Rides, exhibits, fair food...However, this year, as in most, the fair fell in the latter part of July. A typically hot month regardless, but this year, as in much of the country, we have had record highs. But, to the fair we went. Because, that's what you do.

Honestly, I am surprised they had any flowers much less vegetables for show.  It looks almost pretty from a distance, but up close it was a sad, wilted affair.

The root vegetables faired better than anything else, growing out of sight of the sun's harsh attention.

In contrast, the Rainier cherries I ate prior to walking through the exhibit halls. Luscious by comparison, if a little puny by typical standards.  But still delicious.

Surely I must have taken lots of lovely pictures of my sweet littles on the rides? Nope. Too stinkin' hot as Evie would say. 

The requisite hotdogs were procurred at the 4-H booth.  I abstained.  Cotton candy happened too. It was blue. And sticky. And awesome.

The 4-H booth is next to the dirt race track. Which was being loudly circled by dirt bikes. At this point we all wanted to go home. Note the forced smile for posterity, the hands over ears, and of course the dazed, sweaty stare into the distance. We left shortly after. If the kids aren't having fun...you know it's hot.

Wishes? Maybe next year won't be so dang dry and so dang hot. Still, we attended. We greeted seemingly all the people we know in Clay and we left.  All in all an experience for the memory book.