2025 Fair week

The Utah County Fair is epic, absolutely epic. There is no other word to describe it. I really love getting to know so many volunteers that come to serve during the fair. I also love our fair board members that give up SO much of their time during fair week. I love all the entries, exhibits, and fun events. The food is also pretty great - between the snacks, and the food vendors we all gain weight during this week. I have only one regret - this year I made the mistake of relying on caffeine to help me with extra energy. I won't be doing that ever again. It was awful trying to get off of that energy high. I hope that the people that come down to the fair could sense how much the fair board loves doing this for them. 

This is the fair office where I live for the week. I have t-shirts and meal vouchers for all my volunteers. Plus, lots of snacks/drinks. We went through 16 Costco size containers of water this year. This year I also got a local grocery store to donate a box of apples (still feeling grateful about that), and we bought 3 large bunches of bananas from Costco too. Not shown is all the ice-cream sandwiches, popsicles, and drumsticks that are in the freezer. 

The very first day I walked into the office I immediately saw this little tiny Jesus. It's a thing right now for people to buy these and put them in random places. It was fun to have him in there the whole week. 

These are my Jr Fairboard members. They are teens in the community who volunteer at least 25 hours during the fair. I am their advisor. I love and appreciate each of them so much. This year we had a 'rat' theme. It was just a silly way to bring some pizazz to the fair. If you zoom in on the back of our shirts you will see we all got a 'title'. 

This year I lost four Jr Fairboard members as they have aged out of the opportunity. They have graduated from high school and will be going on missions/school. It's sad, but I am thrilled for them. They are such great kids! 

I wanted to spend more time watching the live stock competitions and showcases. Sadly, I didn't get to see any of that. But, one morning I wander around and interact with the farm family and get some cute animal pictures. 

The farm families that come are the most amazing group of people ever. They are there early in the morning getting their animals ready, and they stay late into the evening making sure their animals are fed and cared for. Some of them will even bring trailers and camp over for the entire week. It's fun seeing the sheep getting sheered and the goats/cows/sheep getting a shower. Just epic all around. 

Plus, we have the 4H and open class exhibits to see. So many talented people make and bring things. I tried harder to get out and see more of them this year. Here are a few of my favorites....

This last picture was created by my friend - Chelsea - who is also a member of the fair board. She was so incredibly sweet, and she painted it for me! It's based on a conversation I had with her while we were on a walk together this summer. It's also a wonderful reminder to me that there is beauty where I am right now. This picture is the pumpkin patch field down the road that we call "Jakers". 

This year I got ask to help judge the food category at the Juab County fair in Nephi. It was SO much fun! I hope I get a chance to do it every single year. I got to judge pies, cookies, yeast breads, and sweet breads. I even gave out two 'best of show' ribbons. I didn't feel qualified for such a thing, but I did it anyway because the items were worth it. This sweet lady with the pink glasses asked me if I would come help judge at the State Fair. I think I will. It sounds delightful.