2026 Clark County Fair – Day 5

Sleep is a glorious thing. Never underestimate its power.

I slept over 7 hours last night, and today was much better! It was also a slower day, with lots of chatting and hanging out with friends. I had some good food, good conversations, good times. Fair Magic!

Rob had some Life Outside of the Fair that he had to take care of, so I was on my own for a couple of hours after we got the Gazebo up and running. I meandered. I sat on a quiet bench and watched the Fairgrounds wake up. I chatted with Tosha and Lauralea and Karin and Jenny about Fair and life. It was the sweet stuff that I love about my beloved Fair – the community and the time to just sit and chat.

Once Rob returned mostly victorious, we spent some time tracking down Beanie Babies. We’re going through the coveted prizes for the Passport to Fun program a little faster than expected. Anecdotal evidence (like from the kiddie ride operators) suggests that there have been more young kids enjoying the Fair this year. At least so far. Why? We have no idea. But it means that I am spending a not insignificant part of my day each day trying to procure more Beanie Babies. Livin’ the dream!

Yes, the rubber chicken earrings squeak
when you squeeze them! I entertained
curious people all day!

We spent part of the afternoon in the Grandstands watching the next round of Mutton Bustin. A couple of kids rode their sheep one-handed, as if they were riding a bucking bronco. I have never seen such confidence on a buster before! Personally, I think it’s a sign the kid has aged out of the sheepy competition.

He's about to fall off, but that arm was up the
entire ride.

While chatting with Terri and Lauralea in the Sewing & Clothing Department, I learned what a serger is. I had heard of it as a sewing tool of some sort, but I thought it was an attachment accessory for a sewing machine. Sort of like a buttonhole maker. And, I had absolutely no idea why you would want one. I just gathered that a serger is kinda pricey and coveted by serious sewers. Kind of like those enormously heavy KitchenAid Mixers for bakers.

Much to my surprise, a serger is a totally separate machine! And much to my delight, it sews AND cuts at the same time! How cool is that?!  Now I understand why sewing people speak of sergers with such reverence. It was so calming and satisfying to watch the serger surge!

Watch this short video for
a moment of serenity.

We checked out the rodeo in the evening. The horses and bulls jumped around a lot more than usual, flinging cowboys around and making me grab Rob’s arm with panic. Fortunately, nobody got hurt beyond the usual, but it’s getting harder for me to watch these extreme sports with enjoyment. I just cringe with dread that someone is going to get seriously injured. I sound like an old lady. Not quite sure when that happened…

He looked like a flopping doll
as he rode around the arena.
If you want to cringe, click here
for a video.

As I reflect on our day at my beloved Fair, there wasn’t much to it activity-wise. Well, except for the mind-blowing discovery of The Serger. And yet, it was such a good day.

I’m oblivious to whatever might be happening in the Real World outside the Fairgrounds. I’m taking time to chat with friends without feeling like I have to rush off to complete something on my To Do List. I’m sitting on benches and watching people enjoy my Fair. I’m finally breathing a little. My body is still tired, but my spirit is perking up. Fair Magic.

 FAIR FOOD FEAST PARADE!

Peach and Cream Cheese Scone from 
the Church Ladies Pie Stand. These
go FAST. I got the last one and it was
10:15. Pretty much all the people who
work at the Fair swoop up the fresh
scones before the Fair opens. BUT
I heard they usually have a second
batch before lunchtime. SO GOOD!

Chicken Quesadilla from the Noodle
Palace. Nope, it doesn't make any
sense. But wow, it was REALLY
good! It had chicken, rice, melted
cheese, and a Fiesta Sauce that
tasted like Taco Bell. It was simple
but so fresh and tasty. Highly 
recommended!

Jaymi had this Peach Pear Smasher
waiting for me as she saw us approaching
the Smasher booth. It's good to be known.
Refreshing and not as sweet as the Strawberry.
It's Rob's favorite.

Nerd Rope from the little white trailer
that sells candy and OTC medications.
Sometimes those serve the same purpose.
LOVE the tanginess of the Nerds!

I decided to try some corn from the 
stand near the SlingShot ride. I didn't
like it as much as the corn from the stand
south of the Food Court. This one was
hot off the grill but it didn't taste grilled.
It was a little tough and not as sweet.
I'm sticking with the other corn stand.

Corn dog from the Chuck Wagon near
the Green Gate and Curly the Camel.
Really good! It was a little more dog
and a little less batter. 

Onion rings from the Chuck Wagon.
Sweet onions, crunchy batter, very
tasty. The Chuck Wagon is usually
a safe bet for good eats.

I'm drinking SO much water!
I brought some hydration packets from
home. This Cherry Pomegranate
packet from Nectar added just the
right amount of flavor to liven up
the boring water.

2026 Clark County Fair - Day 4

Last night was rough. I was so tired I couldn’t sleep. In the midst of a meltdown in the very wee hours, I promised myself that I would allow myself some space tonight to actually relax and rest. So…reminiscent of my working days when I wrote lots of research reports, I give you a Bullet Point Summary of "Today at the Fair."

• I was grumpy and tired and hungry when we left the house. Also, the painters showed up earlier than expected to spiff up Woodhaven’s exterior. There was already banging-ladders noises and congested driveway traffic when we left. I couldn’t imagine enjoying the rest of the day.
  
  
• The Gazebo is now in a groove. We have a routine and we are refining our processes. It’s humming along pretty well. Hallelujah.
  
  
• It took us about 4 hours to finally complete our route to go visit Curly the Camel and his dad, Jeff. Both were very chill and oozed calm and welcoming. It was a lovely visit.
  
  

  

  Just looking at his photo relaxes me.

  
  
• One kid today decided that the very best prize for his completed Passport was not a Beanie Baby or a kaleidoscope or a plastic dinosaur. Nope. The 4-year-old was super excited to take home one of our paperweights for the daily schedule. It was a hunk of asphalt. Rock on, little dude!
  
  
• My mood brightened considerably with a Church Lady Ham Sandwich and some caffeine swigged while being surrounded by bubbles. The Fair was starting to work its magic.
  
  

  

  I love these sandwiches. They are like
  an afterschool snack made with love.

  
  

  

  Bubbles make everything better.

  
  
• My mood turned around completely when we wandered into the Kids Craft Tent in the middle of the Antique Machinery Exhibit. Despite my advanced age and white hair, I was kindly allowed to make the kid craft whirligig, including visiting the blacksmith to get it branded. The burnt wood smelled amazing. Playing with the whirligig was weirdly calming and centering. I will be toting it the rest of the Fair. I might sleep with it.
  
  

  

  Who knew a hunk of wood and some
  string could be so fun?! Click here
  for a short video of how it works.

  
  
• I got a text from our friend Terri that she was suddenly participating in a balloon contest. It was a blast! Especially watching another friend Stephanie and her husband compete head-to-head. Stephanie emerged victorious. Married Couple Competitiveness is fantastically fun to watch.
  
  
  
  
  

  

  The first round. Terri won!! Stephanie and husband
  had several more matches. The women rocked!
  Click here for a video of Terri's domination.

  
  
• We watched the Mutton Bustin’ competition and were ecstatic to hear familiar names being announced! We thought for sure Meagan did well enough to advance to the evening round (brother Jack slipped off his sheep pretty quickly). Sadly, we didn’t hear her name tonight. Nevertheless, we loved cheering for Meagan and Jack and hope they try again next year.
  
  

  

  Meagan got up quickly, no worse for wear.

  
  
• We hung out with Marketing Maven Jenny for a spell, commiserating about the Stress of Fair, and the exhaustion of being in charge of stuff. I have no idea how Jenny is doing all that she is doing. My beloved Fair is damn lucky to have her. (Yep, she’s absolutely worth the grown-up word.)
  
  
• Rob and I found a moderately comfortable bench in the shade, tucked away but with a prime view of Fairgoers walking down the Midway. We sat there for at least a half-hour, enjoying the people-watching and the fashions. We also curiously watched a vendor from a travel and leisure booth inside the Big Air Conditioned Building take a smoke break in a non-smoking area while using the Fair President’s golf cart as a drink holder. Bold move!! We were achingly disappointed that her break ended about 90 seconds before the President came outside to motor away. THAT would have been fun to watch! Dang it!
  
  

  

  Cowboy boot Crocs in the fashion of Toy Story.
  I hope these are just Fair Wear, but I suspect
  they are not. 

  
  

Despite arriving on the Fairgrounds this morning in A Mood, my beloved Fair knew just what to do to turn my determined frown upside down. It provided me friendship and simple pleasures and laughter and good food. I am grateful. And I am ready for bed before 11:00pm so I can happily fair again tomorrow!

 

 FAIR FOOD FEAST PARADE!

I only allow myself potato chips 
during the Superbowl and the Fair.
YAY FAIR!

Scrumptious sandwich from the Church
Ladies Pie stand. Ham and Cheese with
crunchy produce and soft sourdough
bread. SO GOOD!

The caffeine hit so hard, I didn't actually
finish this. I'm a caffeine wimp.

White Cheddar! Salty, cheesey,
half gone already.

Strawberry Smasher! Decided to not
blend today. Decided I like the blends
better. The Strawberry by itself is
just a touch too sweet for me.

Dip Sampler from the Greek stand.
Very tasty! Hummus, tzatziki, and a 
garlicky feta sauce, served with warm
pita bread. Recommended!

Peach Sundae with vanilla-chocolate
swirl ice cream. First time trying this.
I liked it! But I think the milkshakes
are a better blend of the flavors.

2026 Clark County Fair – Day 3

In my normal life, I have some self-imposed food rules. Mostly about carbs and sugar and caffeine and junk food. One of the blissful things about fairing is that I allow myself to abandon All the Rules.

Last night, I gleefully inhaled a Chocolate Cherry milkshake in the 8:30-9:00pm timeframe. At about 1:30 this morning, I was reminded why I have a rule about not having chocolate after 8:00pm. I have henceforth declared the No Nighttime Chocolate as a permanent rule regardless of fairing activity. Goodness, SO SLEEPY today.

We got ourselves to the Gazebo before the parking attendants showed up. This was helpful since they seem to be a bit…inexperienced…this year. As we were getting things set up, Abby and her parents were patiently waiting to get a Passport fan even though the Fair wasn’t open yet. Rob asked the (I’m guessing) 7-year-old if she wanted to help us open up the Gazebo. She was pretty excited AND pretty helpful! She credited her love of carrots and broccoli for her strength in helping me unlock the window panels. Go Abby!

Abby was adorable! Come see me in
about 10 years, Abby! We are always
looking for awesome volunteers!

We had a great crew in the Gazebo all day, so Rob and I enjoyed a leisurely day fairing about. I unfortunately chose poorly for my feedings (see Fair Food Feast Parade below). Otherwise, it was a great day despite being super duper tired and longing to take a nap on one of the display mattresses inside the Big Air-Conditioned Building.

We caught a few shows including Adam the Great’s magic show. His awkward assistant from last year was nowhere to be found. I’m super curious but also super supportive of the change.

Not awkward and not an assistant.

We clapped along to a breakdancing performance by 4 very flexible guys in old-timey newsboy outfits. I had been angling for a better view of the spinning and popping as we stood around their performance mat. Suddenly found myself in front – score!

Then I realized some folks must have seen the show before and knew Da Boyz grabbed people out of the audience for a dance-off. The wise ones strategically slinked towards the back of the crowd. I’m thinking my “I work here” badge and lanyard saved me and my cranky back from being picked. Good Lord, that would have been HORRIBLE on soooo many levels. Yo.

Ouchy ouchy ouchy!
He looks like a potato bug doing 
physical therapy exercises.
Click here and here for a couple of
fun videos!

We stopped by the Cow Barn to chat with Katelyn, little Apollo’s human mom. I was just casually asking about any future events in the show ring when Katelyn said there weren’t any more, although there had been an impromptu one this morning. Pulling information like teeth, I eventually learned that modest Katelyn took GRAND CHAMPION in adult showmanship today!! Like, she won a big ol’ belt buckle and everything!! SOO COOL!! CONGRATULATIONS, KATELYN!! It’s the first belt buckle she’s won!

She plans to wear it tomorrow.

Perhaps my favorite part of the day was hanging out on a bench in the Llama Greenway for an hour or so. I was just looking for some shade on a bench with a backrest. A 4-Her and a llama were in the showring, but there wasn’t an announcer or anyone with a microphone, so I assumed it was just practice. Nope, it was an un-narrated Llama Obstacles competition! And I happened to be sitting next to a 4-H mom!

I sadly didn’t catch Julia’s mom’s name, but I SO enjoyed chatting with her. I learned 14-year-old Julia has been in 4-H for less than a year and has 3 alpacas with the best names ever: Dave, Kevin, and Fred. As a kid who had hamsters named Henry and George, Julia is my kind of people.

Side stepping tires with Dave!
Julia describes Dave as friendly and sassy.

Mom revealed that Julia has blossomed working with her trio of fluffy camelids. Her hard work showed. Julia maintained composure and calm when the animals refused to sidestep through tires or duck under a teepee of sticks or place their delicate little hooves in a kiddie pool. She encouraged her alpacas and treated them with respect and love. My cranky back demanded a walk so we weren’t able to hang around for the judge’s results. We stopped by the Llama Greenway later in the evening and discovered Julia ended up taking both first place (with Kevin) and second place (with Fred)!  Go Julia!

Navigating the platform with Kevin!
Julia says Kevin is a "chill dude."

Chatting with Julia’s mom made me wistful about my days hanging out in the Llama Greenway, when Rob and I provided comic relief by competing in Open Class, and when we got to chat up fairgoers about our most favorite llama ever. Those days with Rojo and his people were so sweet, filled with friendship and excitement and laughter. I miss them. I deeply hope Julia is embarking on a similar season in her life. And I am stoked that I now have a new camelid kid to root for. Officially on Team Julia! Hopefully with just enough enthusiasm not to be creepy!

Up and over the steep hill with Fred!
Fred is apparently the chattiest of the trio.

After a disappointing dinner, we closed up the Gazebo and headed to the parking field before it was dark. I have sleep to catch up on. Plus, I suspect the next two days will be long ones since the boring concerts are over (Midland, anyone??  Yeah, here neither). The dirt arrives overnight, with bull riding tomorrow night, and rodeo the next night. YEE HAW!

FAIR FOOD FEAST PARADE!

Snack at church! Ruth's 7 Layer Bar
made from items she needed to use up
from her pantry. Sort of a fancy Rice
Krispy Treat with all sorts of goodies.

Fish and Chips from the Winston's Food
Truck. I've had Winston's before outside
of the fair and liked them, so I was excited!
But, this fair version was really disappointing.
The fish was really fishy - I couldn't eat it.
The fries were boring. Malt vinegar wasn't provided
and I didn't want to walk back to find some after
walking around trying to find ketchup for the fries.
Didn't try to cole slaw because I was annoyed.
BOO!

Also disappointed by the Poutines
from Winston's. The gravy on the
boring fries was fine but forgettable.
There wasn't much cheese, or if it
was there, it tasted like fries. I was 
sort of over the Winston's experience
so I let Rob eat most of this. Not going
back.

The best part of my Winston's lunch
was a root beer Rob found at the Lion's 
booth. I needed the sugar and the caffeine.
Barq's never disappoints.

Lemon-Cucumber-Basil water from Tosha's booth
with the Potato Smashers. It looks boring but it
was so refreshing! I shall have another soon!

Big chocolate chip cookie from the 
Sunny Sips stand at the southeast end
of the Food Court. It was a little hard and
crunchy but it did the job.

Pineapple Smasher! A new flavor!
It was really tasty - had a hint of
coconut so it tasted like a pina colada.
Some rum would not have been bad...

Street tacos from the booth near the
Grandstands that also sells the fancy
desserts. They looked really good but
they were sadly boring. The salsas
weren't very memorable either. Just
not much flavor. Not going back.

Also disappointed with the booth's 
Carne Asada Fries. The fries were 
non-descript and the meat was pretty
gristly. We didn't finish it. I moped
around for a bit, declaring it a
Bad Eatin' Day. BOO!

Happy with this soft and chewy
chocolate chip cookie from a booth
selling Nathan's Hot Dogs in the middle
of the Food Court on the east side. They
also have brownies and cinnamon rolls!

2026 Clark County Fair – DAY 2

What a difference a day makes.

Yesterday was tough. It was hectic, it was hot, I arrived at the Fair already exhausted by life, and I was honestly a bit shell-shocked most of the day. I went to bed wondering where I was going to find the energy for 9 more days of fairing.

But a good night’s sleep, less of a shot-out-of-a-cannon start, and cooler temps today made an enormous difference. Today I was in much better shape to Fair.

We arrived at the Gazebo in plenty of time to get the first shift situated. It’s nice having grown-ups in the Gazebo. Our afternoon shift was entertaining, though.

The two teens spent a lot of time sitting, eating, separating out the Beanie Babies they thought were the coolest (we swooped them all back into the tub after the girls left), and needed to take frequent breaks together. Rob and I ended up spending about 2 hours in the Gazebo filling in for the teens who were either totally oblivious about what it means to volunteer, or totally gamed the system to get into the Fair for a free day of fun. Either way, that’s why Rob and I are onsite every day, to fill any gaps that suddenly appear.

I personally think this little monkey
is the cutest. And yes, shameless
plug for my Instagram account.

We spent some quality time watching the Open Class Dairy Cattle competition. Reason: Katelyn. She is engaged to a dear friend of ours, and she had a quartet of cows to show. Remember Apollo from yesterday? The adorable little 3-month-old calf? He belongs to Katelyn. And today he did quite well!

Apollo's first time in the Show Ring!
Not Katelyn's first time by any stretch.

I don’t really know what the cows were being judged on. Things like “sound structure” and “angle to rear pasterns” and “femininity” and “udder quality” and “fleshiness” were mentioned as being important.

They all look pretty fleshy to me...

When the boy cows (bulls) were in the ring, the judge pointedly complimented one steer’s testicles, which prompted absolutely zero reaction from the spectators. Even the young ones. The audience also didn’t applaud when champions and reserve champions were announced, which was super weird. Cow people are apparently a rather solemn bunch.

My friend Terri took this picture of lots of 
girl butt. We both laughed a little too hard.
Sorry, quiet cow people.

Rob and I spent some time in the afternoon watching the 4-H Performing Arts competition. A surprise to nobody, Rock Star Karoline commanded the stage with a piano performance, prompting tears from me and a job offer from some audience members.

I'm so sad I won't get to witness this
again. Thank you for the honor of
watching you grow up, Karoline.

A bewilderment to everyone, Intermediate 4-Her Hank took the stage with what was billed as a Comedy Skit. It was a 5-minute string of non-sequiturs linked together by some sort of storyline involving a To Do list taped to a television set. A crock pot, a raccoon, a scuba diver, and moldy spaghetti were involved.

I did love Hank's Space Invaders
t-shirt!

Two 5-year-old girls thought Hank was hysterical…twice. It was cringingly the only laughter during the seemingly hour-long set. With Karoline’s departure from 4-H after this year, I am resigned to reporting on Hank’s performance arc in the years to come. Buckle up and stay tuned!

Noel perfectly summed up the consensus reaction
to the peek inside young Hank's mind.

We took a tour of the commercial side of the Big Air Conditioned Building. I scouted out where I plan to get my ring cleaned on Day 10. And I discovered some awesome new hot sauce to liven up pizza and white cheddar rice cakes. A box set of 3 bottles is now sitting on our kitchen table for post-Fair enjoyment.

My nose started running shortly after
this photo was taken. Hot Sauce
Happy Place!

We ended the day with an impromptu dinner with our friend Ali, chatting about life and friendships and Fair stuff over mediocre burgers in the midst of a Mars exhibit.

Pretty much a perfect day at my fair.

 

FAIR FOOD FEAST PARADE!

Four Berry Smasher to start the day!

Excellent Chicken Potato Smasher
from the Raclette booth near the Pie
Stand. Lots of fresh ingredients and
probably verging on healthy. At 
least for Fair Food.

Sampling Pepper Song's array of
hot sauces. The Habanero Carrot
was my favorite.

Carmel apple before it got really
sticky and messy. Super juicy and
worth all the napkins!

Not a fan of the Mac and Cheese Burger
from Boppin' Bo's. Zero flavor, the
mac and cheese was boring, and the 
burger was overcooked. Not happy
with this decision.

The disappointing burger was redeemed
by the Chocolate Cherry milkshake.
Unfortunately, I forgot that my body
does not enjoy chocolate after about 8:00pm.
Long night...