2026 Clark County Fair – Day 9

Today was a tough day. I didn’t have fun, and I’m sad.

I spent most of the day trying to manage low supplies for the Gazebo. I wasn’t able to do the Fair things I planned to do today. I feel like the Gazebo stole my Fair Joy, and I’m grumpy.

I wasn’t able to settle into the bleachers at the Junior Livestock Auction and wave my paddle around to support random kids and their animals. Or go to the opening round of the 2-day Tuff Truck competition. Or sit next to Rob in our favorite spot and watch the evening round. Or just breathe in the Fair.

Instead, I was sending and replying to status update texts, walking with purpose around the Fairgrounds looking for people who could help me track down supplies, and trying to manage enthusiastic volunteers without snuffing out their fun, too.

A friend sent me a photo from the 
Iowa State Fair. I sent this one back to him.
Five people in the Gazebo, and we were
all busy. Usually two is enough.

It didn’t help that today was the busiest day of the Fair this year, at least from what I saw.

There were people and kids and strollers all over the Fairgrounds. There were so many people, Rob and I both had problems connecting to the internet with our phones. This made the whole texting-about-supplies thing extra challenging.

I often forget there are gorgeous trees
on our Fairgrounds. I was grateful for
this view today from a bench I rarely
sit on. It helped me breathe and regroup.

The only other time we have experienced our cell service being throttled at a fair due to soooo many people trying to ride on the same towers was last year at the Minnesota State Fair. Yeah, it was pretty crowded today. 

I got to do a few Fair-ish things, but they were shoehorned in, rushed, disjointed. While most nights I end up with about 70-90 photos from the day (after deleting the bad ones), tonight I have a whopping 28 photos to capture a day that had me on the verge of disappointed, annoyed, sad tears a few times. Perhaps fewer photos is better?

I am REALLY bummed I didn’t get to stay in the bleachers and cheer on Taylor’s brother in the auction ring when he brought his piggy to market. Instead, I had to do a boring “add on” which just means I gave the auction office some money to pass along to him after the auction was over. I got to watch about 4 steers being auctioned before I had to dash back to the Gazebo to deal with a Beanie Baby crisis. I'm mad just typing that. These are not the priorities I want to Fair with.

I liked his eyebrows.

I had great plans for this paddle.
DANG IT. And I'm sure the livestock
folks agree.

Rob and I watched about half of the evening Tuff Trucks show before he left to close the Gazebo at 8:00pm. Because the rednecks-and-their-rigs show was so popular, the Grandstands were at capacity. This meant anyone who left wasn’t allowed back in. 

I sat and watched about 30 minutes of the show without Rob. It wasn’t nearly as fun without him. As I sat by myself in a crowd of people, I was sad that my Fair Buddy was stuck outside of the Grandstands because he had to leave to help out the Fair. That's not right, and that's not Fair.

Most of the early entries got stuck in
the mud bog and had to be lifted out.

I desperately hope tomorrow is better. I want my Fair Joy back. I don’t want to leave the Green Gate for the last time tomorrow night filled with disappointment and regret about how I Faired this year. I love my Fair and I love volunteering. But I can't have more days like today.

 

FAIR FOOD FEAST PARADE!

Chicken Quesadilla from the Noodle
Palace. I need to remember to ask
for extra Fiesta Sauce on the side for dipping.
Fantastic breakfast. I couldn't finish it so
I shared it with my Smashers friends.
They might be fans now, too. 

Almost done with my Strawberry Orange
Smasher before I got a photo in the auction
barn. Definitely a new favorite combo.

Free auction popcorn! So buttery
and salty! And much appreciated.

Rhubarb pie from the Church Ladies
Pie Stand. My face says all you need
to know.

I needed some chocolate. This peanut
butter fudge from the fudge stand inside
the Big Air Conditioned Building hit 
the spot. I asked for a "bite sized" piece.
Bigger than I needed but I ate it all.

Chicken Yakisoba Bowl from the 
Noodle Palace, with added Sriracha.
My second time having this, just
as happy with it.

2026 Clark County Fair – Day 8

We’re in the home stretch! We’re exhausted and punchy! All the days are blending together! I have no idea what is happening in the world outside of the Fairgrounds! It’s AWESOME!

After we got the Gazebo opened and the morning shift trained and flying solo, we grabbed Breakfast Milkshakes (fruit, dairy, protein...tell me I'm wrong!), and slunk to the back of the Big Air Conditioned Building to hide and regroup.

Double Strawberry Milkshake with Ghirardelli
Chocolate and Royalty!

We found a lovely, quiet table and we sat there. For about an hour. We spent some time on our phones dealing with life stuff, but mostly we sat quietly, we chatted about next week and next year, and we let the Fair happen without us for a spell. It was a much-needed break that gave us a bit of a second wind. Afterwards, we finally had the time and the mental space to truly go fairing.

The empty booth behind us was a tattoo "parlor"
earlier in the Fair. Not sure what happened to
Poppy's Parlor.

We wandered around the Canning Department. We caught Adam the Great’s Magic Show. We watched some young alpacas learn how to be in the show ring. We sat and listened to two bands on the Community Stage. We rode the Ferris Wheel at sunset. We ate, we chatted with friends, we didn’t rush, we walked down the Midway holding hands. It was exactly what I’ve needed (other than sleep...so much sleep).

Freeze-dried veggies. Aren't they pretty??

The fun finale! Rob later helped Adam
move the table off the stage.
We double as the occasional roadies.

LOOK AT THAT FACE!!!
Dawwwwww!!!

It was so odd watching this band and a prior one.
They were all old guys playing songs I grew up
with. Like they grew up with them, too.
But they were OLD guys.
Ooooh...yikes.

Old people on a Ferris Wheel, having a great
day at the Fair.

As we were leaving the Fairgrounds tonight, we saw a sign announcing that kids under 6 get into the Fair for free the last two days of the Fair. The next two days in the Gazebo are going to be NUTS! Pray for us.

 

FAIR FOOD FEAST PARADE!

The Daily Special of Double Strawberry with
Ghirardelli Chocolate Sauce was a delicious
way to start the day.

The Traditional Potato Smasher from
the Raclette Booth (who really needs
a name with some signage). Warm, filling
tasty, filled with ham and cheese and veggies.
Very good, although I think I like the 
Chicken Smasher better. 

More Smashers! I tried a new blend
for the first time -- Strawberry Orange.
I LOVED IT! It was tangy-er than
my favorite Strawberry Mango.
Almost like a Sweet-Tart candy.
I have no idea why I had never tried 
this combo, but it is now top of the
rotation!

Deep Fried Oreo! I shared an order
with Rob. Best way to eat an Oreo,
although this one needed to be a little
warmer. We hadn't been to the Sweet
Cheeks booth in a few years. Our bad.

Spicy Korean Chicken Bowl from the
other (red one) yakisoba noodle place
(the one without the quesadilla). It was
pretty good! Definitely the spiciest thing
I've found in the Food Court. The chicken
was a little overcooked and it didn't have
the scallions that were shown in the photo.
But the spice was definitely there!
Also, I sampled Rob's yakisoba noodles.
We agreed the Noodle Palace is better.

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.