As a barrel racer, there is no better season than county fair season. The sweet smell of greasy carnival food, the sound of children screaming on the rides and the perfectly delicious taste of a lemonade shake up that cannot be duplicated by any place other than a county fair. Since I was a litter girl there has never been a better feeling than pulling into the Heart of Illinois fair, getting my horse out of the trailer and saddling up for the best event the fair hosts; the Heart of Illinois Western Horse Show. Showing up hours early has always been a way to get pumped up and into the zone, but not before I’ve had my lemonade shake up and Uncle Ben’s ice cream… Duh. But after I fill myself with ice cream and lemonade, it’s go time. Nothing gets the blood pumping like hearing the announcer call my name and the crowd cheering as I make three quick turns. As the horses get faster, the crowd gets louder, and it’s not something you want to miss.
Even thou I am a barrel racing fool, that’s not the only thing that pulls me into the fair festivities. For example, the tractor pulls. I happen to be a JD girl, so you can get out of here with that IH business. If you’ve never been to a tractor pull or don’t know exactly what it happening, its basically the “strong man” competition for tractors. Who can pull a big metal sled full of weights the furthest. It’s a great time. And a good excuse to get some corndogs and ice cream. And if you’re not the slightest bit interested in tractors, they have a truck edition too!
And while strong tractors and fast horses are fun to watch, but who doesn’t want to watch a pig race? Oh you? What about goats? Now we’re talking. And of course, wiener dogs. Because, well… why not? Woody’s Menagerie Barnyard Race Show is bringing their fastest pigs, goats and dachshunds to compete in the weirdest event you should witness. Of course they aren’t going to have pigs verses the goats. That would just be unfair. They all race their own breed and it is the cutest thing you will ever see.
Since we all love fair food and we know it will make you fat and out of shape, I suppose I should say something about how you should enter in the HOI Fair 5K run. But that a long way to run and a lot of effort, so if you think you’re up to run with all that fair food in you, good luck.. back to the fun stuff..
We can all agree that the demo derby is the best part of the fair. I mean, even the neigh sayers get excited for the demos. For real, who doesn’t love watching cars and trucks smash into each other? “Why on earth would you want to watch that?” these city people say. Well because it’s awesome. Especially when you know someone in a class. Or if you know a couple people and you know those who work together or the rivalry’s. And you can’t help but make fun of those who “sit up high” because they can “see better.” Whatever dude, the pits is where it’s at. How are you supposed to get muddy if you’re in the top row? I’ll tell you, you don’t… boo!
I’ve been going to the fair for quite a while now and I have to say, its more than just lame carnival rides and expensive food. It’s about pig racing and smashing up cars. The far beings Thursday the 9th and runs through the 18.
-Randi the Intern
