A Visit to the County Fair

On Sunday I went to the Alameda County Fair.  In California at least, during the summer months there is what is called a county fair.  It is like a traveling amusement park that goes from place to place for 2 weeks at a time.

Carnival rides 

Prizes to be won playing games of chance.

Carnival food booths serving things like pizza, corn dogs and cotton candy.

But in addition to the amusement park or carnival rides, there are other interesting exhibits that take place.

Live horse racing.  Some county fairs have rodeos and livestock events, too.

There was a garden show featuring garden displays designed by local landscapers and nurseries.

There was also an entire building devoted to arts and crafts created by both children and adults. Many of them were very creative and well executed.

A stained glass of a butterfly.

One of the many quilts that were displayed.

This one was a Christmas quilt.  The second photo shows the holiday themed details.

I  really like this photograph.  It's very creative and was taken by a student.  It actually won a special ribbon awarded by the panel of judges. 

Another stained glass, this time of sailboats.

There were many table settings with different themes.  The theme for this one is a book about butterflies.  The close up photo shows the butterfly details, even on the silverware.

This table setting is for the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland.  I like it because it uses a lot of bright red to contrast with the black and white.

Wedding style cakes.

There was a building that contained an entire miniature world of model trains.  As a child I remember always being fascinated by seeing model trains like this so it was really a nice nostalgic feeling for me to see these.

More photos here.