Red, White & Blue

Went to Coronado Island to watch a parade.

And the spectators stole the show.

Local politicians, marching bands, floats and horses proceeded down the southbound lane of Orange Avenue but most of the vivid color came from the crowds that lined the streets.

Patriotic hats were quite popular.

From the subtle.

To the bedazzled.

Not sure about these clowns.

This family pet provided the necessary shade to complete the red, blue and white motif.

And these subtle ensembles coordinated beautifully with their tablescape.

Such a colorful holiday.

Happy 4th!

Pooping Pig Keychain

My favorite souvenir from the San Diego County Fair.

Every year, I buy one for me and one for my nephew, who is now 11 and will surely outgrow its entertainment value before I do, if he hasn’t already.

Perhaps we will move on to rubber snouts one day.

And that is just part of the fun.

The real excitement is rooting for your favorite squealer at the Swifty Swine Pig Races.

Click here to:  WATCH A RACE

This year was a trifecta of animal competition as we started the morning with pigs, moved on to worms and finished the evening with turkeys.

At first glance it would seem that a worm race might be a bit dull and slow.

Just a simple board, some dirt and a spritz of water.

But add some fierce Red Wigglers (our money was on Number 9, although no wagering was permitted) and a large crowd of cheering children and you have yourself a race.

Although Number 7 started out strong, it was Number 9 that won by a mile….I mean inches.

After that rush of adrenalin, we headed over to the Turkey Stampede.

Turns out that turkeys do not know how to race.

They won't wear a bib. They cheat. Run the wrong direction. Hop over fences. Spread their feathers to block the competition. Anything to get to the food truck.

The cheers for the motorized car rivaled those for the actual competitors!

Livestock at the Fair

In order to have the full Fair experience, it is necessary to deal with a little bit of manure.

Guaranteed you will see, smell and step in it.

If you decide to visit the animals.

Puttin’ on the feed bag.

Goin’ at it.

A little head buttin’.

Peaches, 600 pounds of pure bred Duroc pig.

4-H Clubs compete.

Small horses, not sure of the breed, but cute as can be.

So hold your nose, wear closed-toe shoes and watch where you're walking...

Design in Wood Exhibit

Offers the expected.

And the unexpected. This outfit can’t be comfortable.

Craftspeople are on site, making chairs.

And spinning tops.

This exhibitor, motivated by the ‘Race to the Fair’ theme, built a barstool.

With tracks for displaying metal toy cars.

Clever.

Flower and Garden Show Exhibit

In keeping with the theme ‘Race to the Fair’, vehicles were incorporated into the landscape designs.

Most entries featured a xeriscape approach. Even the afternoon speaker described drip irrigation and the high cost of water bills.

So the exhibits seemed a little more subdued this year.

Instead of lush greenery and colorful blooms, there were succulents, rocks and gravel.

There were touches of whimsy, however, like this chair and bolster.

And the drive-in diner with flowering swivel seats.

Fair Food

Attracts large crowds.

There is the novelty of trying the latest concoction:

Deep-Fried Baby-Ruth-Filled Jalapenos (would that constitute an appetizer or dessert?)

Deep-Fried Kool-Aid (how is that even possible?)

Deep-Fried Beer-Battered Bacon Bliss (cuz there’s just not enough fat in plain old bacon).

Or eating food presented in a different way, like the Texas Twist.

Or searching for a vegetable like corn on the grill.

BBQ turkey legs are popular with the carnivores.

There is something for everyone.

For me it is Australian Battered Potatoes. A plate of crispy tater slices, topped with cheese and ranch dressing.

By the second piece, I usually feel a little bit ill.

Isn't that part of the fair food experience?

Thanks Joey.

See ya next year.

Rides at the Fair

I prefer rides that spin.

Around and around.  

Like this.

I don’t need to go upside down.

Like this.

As a rule I avoid rides that have you remove your sandals because they will come flying off during the spinning portion.

Even with shoes on, this looks scary.

Roller coasters are a simpler option to make your stomach drop.

Or start out slow with a slide.

And scream the whole way down.