Tuning in the fair on rabbit ears

Happy Friday! I’m all out of fair words, so it’s time for JWC's annual Citrus County Fair photo page.

We start with the true stars of the fair, and that’s the critter exhibits. Chickens ruled the roost (ha!) earlier this week, and rabbits were getting all the loving Thursday evening. The rabbit show and silent auction is today.

It’s not lost on me that, for many Citrus Countians, the fair is as close as they’ll get to live farm animals. That these animals are all raised by Citrus County families makes the livestock barn the hub of the fair universe.

---

What is the fair without cheesy, yet surprisingly talented, entertainment strolling the grounds? While I appreciate a man who can play drums, electric guitar, and sing while walking amongst folks munching on corndogs, what really got my attention is his one-man road crew.

OK, someone has a specialized talent and can make a living at county fairs. His helper? Is there a duller job? 

Regardless, he truly is the road crew. Without him, the musician couldn’t belt out two beats.

It takes all kinds to make the county fair.

And…the last bastion of civilization has gone by the wayside. Automated ticket booths at the county fair. Shaking my head…

I always enjoy visiting with my friends in the red and blue booths in the Jacobs Building. Fair Week really brings out the best in local politics because it’s just folks chatting. I often walk by and see candidates in deep conversation with fair attendees.

(As I put the photo page together Thursday night, I noticed a missed opportunity. Both photos are from the same side. I should have shot the Democrats from the left and Republicans from the right. Maybe I’m thinking too much.)

Stop and chat with a candidate. It’s much more fulfilling than a campaign speech.

I’ll just say this: No thanks. I was on a similar ride many years ago at the county fair. I’m sure alcohol played a part, I lost all the change out of my pockets, and I couldn’t walk straight afterwards.

I’m glad the young’ns have these wild midway rides. Those days are behind me, and I’m OK with that. 

Hope your weekend is filled with adventure. Enjoy it, friends.

Join the discussion on our Facebook page.

Individual donations are appreciated through Venmo, PayPal, or Patreon.