2026 Clark County Fair – Day 7

Oh. My. Word.

I totally forgot today was Kids Day. The day kids under 12 get into the Fair for a reduced price. Today was Crazy Town in the Gazebo. Rob and I are tired beyond tired. I can’t believe it was just this morning - not a week ago - that we left the house early because of road construction. And were delayed by the Amazon driver delivering us the overnight bottle of Tums. Not even kidding.

I'm going to have the sign's saying
put on a t-shirt for next year.
SO much truth.

We considered keeping the bottle in
the car for easy access. Car Tums.
Because Fair.

I’m not sure I can string multiple sentences together in any coherent manner, so we’re going to do a Top 7 List of today’s events. Seven because I’m too exhausted to think of three more to make an even ten.

1. We had not one but two road construction delays on our way to the detours for the other road construction delays we have been slaloming around all summer.

Our detours need detours. SO much
road construction in our area this summer.

2. Marketing Maven Jenny got us a whole bunch of new toys for the Gazebo a la Overnight Amazon. We ran through about 80% of them. My favorite was the punch balloon. I played with it off and on all day, always delighted to demonstrate it for the kids. And adults who were quick to instruct, "NOT in the car."

Very soothing in a very different way than the
whirligig and the serger. Click here for a video.

3. Professor Smart has this ridiculously fun routine where he gets a bunch of kids onstage and they use their voices to break a lightbulb. We learned yesterday that the Professor is having a hard time finding the required incandescent light bulbs. Woodhaven is pretty much all LEDs at this point, so we were thrilled to find a great cause for our stash of old incandescents I couldn’t bear to just throw away. We put the word out on social media to local friends with hope we can get some more bulbs to the Professor before the Fair ends on Sunday. Because we thought having another self-imposed project made sense.

I honestly had no idea we had so many
incandescent lightbulbs!
Click here for a video of how Professor
Smart puts them to fun and educational use!

4. I got another delicious old-timey sandwich at the Church Ladies Pie Stand, this time for breakfast. We chatted with one of the ladies who shared that their sales tend to increase over the course of the Fair each year, as folks who are at the Fair every day get weary of all the grease and sugar. Also, the stand does great on Senior Day (Wednesday) since the Fairgoers with all the dietary restrictions are their key demographic.

Even the aprons say "Afterschool snack
made by mom!" Also, I got the recipe for 
their delicious sandwich spread. The 
not-so-secret ingredient is dill pickle juice.
No wonder I love it!

5. The Mars Exploration exhibit is pretty underwhelming. Kids were playing miniature golf (not sure how that was Martian) and enjoying the enormous planet-themed bounce house. Rob and I plan to see if grown-ups are allowed turns in the small excavator-claw-thingy to simulate moving Martian rocks around. Otherwise, the rest of the inflatables and computerized exhibits about rocks and gases were either broken or required an app or had a talking robot providing directions at such a low volume in the noisy hall that it was impossible to figure out the task and the lesson.

The best thing about the Mars Exploration exhibit is they have a collection of tables and chairs in the corner that are a much quieter alternative to eating in the Food Court. All week, Rob and I have been saying sentences like, “Wanna eat in Mars?” and “I’ll find a table in Mars” and “Meet ya in Mars with napkins.”

I have no idea what the inflatable
tunnel was supposed to be. The whole
exhibit was just confusing.
And yes, puppy dog balloon earrings!

6. We were thrilled our friend Taylor wanted to help us out in the Gazebo for a few hours this afternoon! We met Taylor a couple of years ago in the Pig Barn. She had 4-H Pigs and was so fun to talk to! I waved our paddle around for her during the livestock auction a few days later. We now make sure to find each other when the pigs arrive during the second half of the Fair. Taylor aged out of 4-H but she’s onsite this year supporting her younger brother. She knows a lot about the Fair, so she was a HUGE help in the whackadoodle Gazebo this afternoon. Thanks a TON, Taylor! 

Please volunteer next year, Taylor!

7. We are so very tired.

Oy.

Three more days to go…

 

FAIR FOOD FEAST PARADE!

Desperately missing unsweetened
bubbles. Cherry Spindrift from home.

Delicious Turkey Sandwich from the 
Church Ladies Pie Stand. Rob noted
the sandwich spread recipe in his 
phone while one of the nice ladies
rattled it off. Can't wait to see if 
I can replicate it in the off-season!

Strawberry Mango Smasher! 
My favorite. And I love the study
cup for water refills the rest of the day.

Free Twizzler licorice for being a
subscriber to our local newspaper.
I turned down the coffee mug because
I was feeling snackish.

Parmesan Basil Waffle Fries from the
Bahn Mi stand at the southeast end
of the Food Court. The Basil Sauce
is FANTASTIC. It paired wonderfully
with the Parmesan cheese. The waffle
fries were honestly a little overcooked.
I enjoyed this because I love the basil
sauce, but I would have been happier
with less crispy fries.

I planned to get a brownie but they
had walnuts in them, so I got a 
chocolate chocolate chip cookie
instead. They aren't homemade, but
the little cookies at the stand in the
middle of the Food Court selling 
Nathan's hot dogs are a great snack.

Super bummed the Lions Booth isn't 
selling chicken strips this year. I tried
these chicken strips from the Demolay
booth. Not bad! Chicken was moist and 
the batter had some flavor. I totally forgot
to get my favorite Fair dipping sauce
of Ranch dressing mixed with Sriracha.
I had the BBQ packets instead. I enjoyed the
chicken strips, but I had to take 3 Tums
when we got home. Should have kept
the bottle in the car.

2026 Clark County Fair – Day 6

When I woke up this morning somewhat rested and with a not-as-cranky back, I kept the celebration going by reminding myself that it was Thursday. “I can totally make it four more days!!”

Except that today was Wednesday.

Then about 20 minutes later, our painters arrived earlier than expected to finish up Woodhaven’s exterior refresh. I was not in any condition, physically or emotionally, to greet them and get the day rolling. Yeah, it was a bit of a bumpy morning.

We got to the Fairgrounds just early enough to get ourselves situated before our two teen Gazebo volunteers arrived. Sadly, the adult volunteer cancelled at the last minute, which meant either Rob or I needed to work the morning Gazebo shift the teens. We ended up taking long breaks or hanging out together in the back of the Gazebo, staring into space or at our unattended-to emails on our phones. It was a long morning but we actually had a really good time. As former Youth Group leaders, we quite enjoy other people's teenagers!

Sometimes it's nice being the grown-up
and letting the youngin's do all the work.

Zachary and Kaili didn’t know each other, but I suspect they are friends now. Both are Red Cross volunteers who go to different high schools, and neither knew much about the Fair. In a burst of inspiration, we sent the teens out on the Fairgrounds with instructions to play the Passport game. They had to explore the unfamiliar territory and find 10 stamps. We gave them a map and the same hints we give young kiddos. We expected it would take them about 20 minutes.

They indeed returned after about 20 minutes, a bit stressed with only one stamp to sheepishly show for their efforts. We gave them some more hints and off they went. They returned about 15 minutes later with much better success, but still needed one stamp.

“Go find the camel.”

By the time they finally completed the Passports, we had a good rapport going. I teased them that a pair of 6-year-olds had finished faster than they had! But…the plan had worked beautifully. Zachary and Kaili got to know the Fair, the Passport program, and each other. It was so much fun to watch! I also thoroughly enjoyed being invisible in the back of the Gazebo, eavesdropping on the chatter of two teens getting to know each other. I really hope they develop a friendship AND that they volunteer again next year.

Zachary and Kaili giving Rock Star
Karoline's Key Lime Tart 2 thumbs up.
I really didn't want to share, but I'm 
a grown-up. Dang it.

I also had a blast playing with a new toy procured for the Gazebo. Marketing Maven Jenny found some super fun “Slingshot Chickens” available for overnight Amazon delivery! However, we quickly discovered the wisdom in rebranding them as “Flying Rubber Chickens.” Turns out, as soon as you introduce the word “slingshot,” all little boys want one and all moms absolutely refuse to allow it.

You put your index finger in its head,
stretch it out by its legs, and let it fly!
Here's a short demonstration video.

I was excited to catch up with Darren and Becky on the Midway. They are the Fair’s official photographers. Becky is also Fair Royalty, with a long family history of building, sustaining, and being my beloved Fair. Like, her grandparents appear in photos in the Fair’s archives. She insists it's not a big deal, but it is!

A couple of hours later, Rob and I happened to sit with a fantastically fun view of Darren and Becky photographing the evening’s Grandstand event. We went to the Side-by-Side show just to see if we still didn’t like it. Yep, still a big yawn of fancy ATVs speeding around a dirt course. I was bored, until I noticed Darren and Becky sitting below us in a nearby section. Watching their synchronized camera dance was way more fun than watching the little vehicles they were photographing!

The event was much better when there
were two cars racing against each other.
But watching Darren and Becky was 
still the best part of the show.
Click here for the Synchronized
Camera Dance.

We have an earlier start again tomorrow. But instead of painters, we have pavers. Signs have been posted that our key route between Woodhaven and the Fairgrounds is going to be repaved starting tomorrow. We have no idea what that means for our timing, so we get to leave even earlier than we have been. Maybe I’ll finally have breakfast at the Fair??

 

FAIR FOOD FEAST PARADE!

Rice bowl from the Bahn Mi/Saucebox
booth at the southeast end of the Food
Court. SO GOOD! Rice, chicken, cucumbers,
cilantro, and that fantastic basil sauce.
I got the kids portion. It was just right.

My favorite Strawberry Cookies n Cream!
Perfect Gazebo snack.

Key Lime Tart made from scratch by
Rock Star 4-Her Karoline! Mom Karin
texted me that one was available after
judging. Blue Ribbon from all of us
in the Gazebo!

Still working on my White Cheddar
Popcorn. Got about 1/3 of the bag left.

Chicken Fajita Bowl from the Las
Masitas booth to the east of the Food Court.
I wasn't impressed. It wasn't bad. It just
wasn't that interesting. Not a lot of flavor,
and the salsa didn't add much. BOO!
Who knew the best Mexican food at the
Fair would be at a yakisoba noodle stand?!
(See yesterday's Fair Food Feast Parade)

Got the "Baby Twist Cone" at the Milkshake
Barn. Just the right size not to keep me
up into the wee hours (she types hopefully).

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.