Growing with the Fair

One of the highlights of our autumn is attending the "best little fair in Canada".  Ian and I have been going since before we had kids and it is now, and hopefully continues to be, a family tradition.

Liam and Seamus working the combine at this year's Carp Fair.

There are many times throughout the year when we are at the Carp Fairground completely by ourselves.  We take skating lessons on the rink there all winter, it is our go to playground and splash pad all summer, we vote there, and we have attended many a farmers' market and community meeting on the grounds.  Yet, there is something magical about the weekend the fair comes to town - it is so fun to partake in the hustle bustle of the fairgrounds packed with people from all over the Ottawa valley and beyond.

We have a couple must dos at the fair each year.  We always get the milk.  I remember back in the day when the cartons of milk were free!  Now, they are $1.50 per carton but we partake nonetheless.

2019. Seamus age 4.

2019. Liam age 6.

We also love checking out the giant pumpkins.  Those are always a crowd pleaser.

2018. Seamus age 3.

2018 Liam age 5.

As the boys get older, the rides are becoming more of a draw.  They used to be happy with a quick turn on the carousel but they decided this year they are too old for that.

2017 Seamus age 2.

2017 Liam age. 4

2018 Liam and Seamus ages 5 and 3.

They did not even want to try the flying elephant that they had so much fun riding in previous years.

2017 Liam and Seamus ages 5 and 3.

Instead, this year was all about the flying blue dinosaur.  Big smiles and excited waves at Mom!

And ringing the bell on the train.  We cannot forget that.  Ding! Ding!  DING! DING!

As always, Liam and Seamus tried milking the fake cow.  They declared that she was much easier to milk than Martha and Mellie.  However, the boys were most excited to "milk" condiments on to their $1 hot dogs.  Daddy helped so they would not make a huge mess!

It is fun to have family traditions like attending the Carp Fair.  Even though we did not enter anything into the agricultural competition this year, a very good time was had by all.  The weather was gorgeous, the cotton candy was extra fluffy, and we bumped into lots of friends and neighbours.  What a fun afternoon.

We are already looking forward to Carp Fair 2020!