My kids love going to the fair.  Make that LOVE!!!!!  They love the rides, the cotton candy, the games, the petting zoos, the slushies, everything about it.

I really enjoy it too.  I think they are a huge money grab for parents.  By the time you pay for admission, ride tickets, and get suckered into playing games for dollar store prizes, you are nearly broke.  However, I grew up in a very small town, and there was nothing much to do.  Once a year the Fair would come into town and we would all flock there to see everything and everybody.

Last year we entered my oldest daughter’s crafts into my hometown fair.  She won a 4th prize.  We were so happy to get a ribbon.  Mainly, we had so much fun making the craft and entering it, we decided to do it again. 

We recently entered two of her crafts into a local fair.  The prizes are just a couple of dollars, but just to have the recognition and the ribbon…..is enough to feel great.  We went to the fair over the weekend to see her crafts being displayed.  There before our eyes, were two little 1st prize ribbons.  Wow!!!  What a feeling!!!!!  After all of that hard work on a rainy day, it really paid off.  However, the most important thing was that it was really fun, quality time.  I don’t even think my daughter really understands what 1st prize is.  And ofcourse, every child gets a ribbon just for participating.

After seeing her crafts on display, we proceeded to spend lots of money going on rides and playing games, but even better…….I will be able to put a wonderful craft and ribbon in my daughter’s memory box for her to view years from now.

Its not the winning at the finish line…..its how you get there.