The Fair

Bob Hanson

This is the time of the year for fairs. No matter where you live you are likely within driving distance to a county fair, a regional fair or a state fair. For my wife and I, it’s a fifteen-minute jaunt, and we attend every year.

Some people get bored with our fair. They say that it’s the same old stuff. There is a lot of repetition. But that’s fine with me. It makes things comfortable, familiarity, like a favorite sweater. If, after thirty some years of attendance, the chickens still look like chickens, that’s fine with me.

One place we always visit is the rabbit barn. It doesn’t take long to stroll through, but it’s always a delight. Last year, a pure-white, long-furred, soft-as-can-be bunny caught our attention. It seemed to have a gentle, charming personality. At first I thought this would be the kind of rabbit for us. But then I noticed its only negative quality—red eyes. I’m sorry to show my prejudice here, but I just don’t think any animal should have red eyes. Too creepy.

Besides the familiar, we always find new things at the fair—this includes unique foods. Last year something called a donut sundae caught my attention. The concoction consisted of freshly-made miniature donuts on the bottom, a layer of ice cream, then strawberries or raspberries, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream on top.

I made the purchase, being sure to get an extra spoon. But, sadly, my wife had her eye on something else. Imagine my disappointment when I discovered that I had to eat the entire dessert myself. Ah, the burdens I must bear!

Besides adding to our culinary knowledge, we find the fair an excellent place to become more cultured. This leads us to wander by the various stage performances. Last year we observed ladies who I thought were tap dancing. But, as we watched, spellbound, we discovered that they were clogging.

Clogging is like square dancing, without contact. The music is similar and someone is hollering out instructions like: “Front double loopty dew,” or “Sideways kadittle hop.” I may just take up clogging.

At last year’s fair, we happened on friends who were in charge of the table-decorating contest (something totally new to us). I don’t know when I’ve experienced a competition so thrilling. I fully expect this to become an Olympic event.

Actually, the fair leads me to think of heaven. We look forward to going to the fair, just as we look forward to going to heaven. In heaven we’ll see lots of people we know, and will renew friendships. Same with the fair. I believe heaven will have a comfortable feel to it (like our fair). We’ll be surrounded by familiar things, we’ll feel at home. And, as a day spent at the fair, our time in heaven will be filled with adventures and discovering new, fascinating things.

Heaven is like the fair—only a millions times better—because Jesus will be there.

Bob Hansen writes from Chehalis, Washington. Bhansen6@juno.com