“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – Maya Angelou

Recently I began reading Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert the author of Eat, Pray, Love. Whole heartedly admitting that this book first caught my eye because I did enjoy her earlier best seller both in print and on the big screen, but the title tugged at something deeper in my soul. As I am making my way through the pages the first take away is to enjoy your creativity. Create for you and you alone.

A roadblock that I have faced with writing and this blog is the need for others to react. But I am now realizing that this blog and my writing shouldn’t be about fulfilling other’s needs, it should be about me enjoying my creative process. With this in mind I pondered on a subject to put pen to paper (so to speak) that would be a tribute to my creativity and finding joy.

Most of you know that I have showcased my creative thoughts, talents, and passion through the world of Agriculture Fairs. This love affair started at a very young age ( https://alittlebitaboutalotofthings.com/2019/08/18/career-paths-101/ ) and catapulted me into a career journey for the past thirty plus years. From enjoying as a visitor to creating the guest’s journey, there isn’t an aspect of the annual event that I have not experienced. May is California Fair appreciation month  So here is my tribute to an industry that has fostered my creative mind for years.

What better way to kick off your family’s summer than creating memories in your own backyard. By far the greatest way to immerse yourself into the creative process is by being part of the show. You may wonder how in the world do I achieve this; easy enter in the Exhibits Department. A great man and former Fair leader, Stephen Chambers use to come and share his wisdom with my Introduction the Fair Management class each spring. By far my favorite take away was when he would ask the students what is the difference between fairs and festivals? “Fair’s celebrate the success of ordinary citizens”, would be his answer. What he meant is that anybody can enter their “creativity” at the Fair, be it baking, sewing, photography, gardening, etc and so on. The Competitive Exhibit Department is the heart of a Fair, no ifs, ands, or buts.

How do you become part of the competition, well that is very easy.  All you need to do is go online and find the website of your local, county or state fair and look under Competitive Exhibits. There will be a guide to explain in detail the “world of all things” you can enter. Check it out, it’s will truly spark your creative juices.  There is no bigger sense of pride than walking through a display and see your prize winning strawberry jam with a big blue ribbon.  https://alittlebitaboutalotofthings.com/2013/08/22/the-art-of-competition/

This website will also be a huge resource to plan your day at the Fair. Everything from admission information to entertainment will be at your fingertips. Let me let you in on the world’s biggest kept secret, people (full time, part time, volunteers, boards) spend easily a year to eighteen months creating these magical days at the Fair. If I had a dollar for every time I was asked what I did the rest of the year when the front gates weren’t open, well I would own a condo on a beach in Maui. The planning, the budgets, the contracts, the outside vendors, the list goes on and on. The amount of time and resources that have went into even the smallest county Fair would boggle your mind. It is an art piece that consumes your mind 24 hours a day and it never seems complete. Go and enjoy their labor of love, they have earned it.

My journey includes working at some of the best Fairs in the nation, but teaching Fair Management allowed me to embark in the celebration of Agriculture Fairs globally. If you still don’t know where to start your Fair tour, here are some of my favorites.  

Let’s start by dreaming big or some might even say create a “bucket list.”

1 – The Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Known as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, is a must see for any true fan of all things Fairs. My first visit was in 2003 and I have been fortunate enough to visit two more times since, even taking a group of students. Why I marvel at this event, there are too many reasons to list. But let’s sum it up with a single word, community. I have yet to experience an event that the moment you walk off the airplane you feel the energy. The city of Calgary embraces the 10 day Fair as a though it is a national holiday. One will be part of the show before they even stroll through the gates. And once you do well game on. From the Chuck Wagon Races to the daily rodeo (did I mention the have their own rodeo stock company) from the agricultural exhibits to the food and Canadian flavor, it is a trip you will never forget. Trust me it is an E ticket ride worth riding over and over and over again.

2 – Salon de l’Agriculture in Paris, France.  This annual event happens in late February or early March and is nothing like it’s state side cousins. My visit occurred the day after arriving on my first oversee voyage and I wasn’t expecting to encounter what awaited past the gates. This may be the most agricultural based Fair I have ever witnessed. The Livestock Area wasn’t huge but the entries were impressive. Yet, that wasn’t even the crowning moment for me. There is a full carcass exhibit with live chef demonstrations. Commercial exhibits are actual booths from French regions showcasing their products. Can you say cheese, wine, chocolate, are the visions of sugar plums dancing in your head? But wait there is more, food concessions are actual restaurants that come and serve their menu. And lastly, they had a huge cat show. I dare you to find anything in comparison in your own backyard. Did I mention that the winning cattle had actual medals around their necks?

3 – The Royal Adelaide Show in Adelaide, Australia. This one is on my bucket list as I have only visited the grounds in the interim season. Seeing photos of the Wine Show and the Merino sheep show have me dreaming of the day that I can enjoy all the feels in person. Couple of cool take away from my non-fair time visit, one they have public transportation drops on either end of the grounds. The train has a stop, as well as the tram system. Talk about no parking hassle. Two, on January 26 of each year when they swear in the new Australia citizens on Australia Day, the Royal Adelaide Show gives each new “Australian” a season pass to the early fall event. How cool is that?  Australia filled me with creative Fair thoughts that I will cherish forever.  https://alittlebitaboutalotofthings.com/2015/03/25/our-state-fair-is-a-great-state-fair-dont-miss-dont-even-be-late

Right about now I bet you are saying to yourself, “Jacky how about something in my own backyard?” Before I share a few places that captured my heart, I would like to place this disclaimer that I have never met a Fair I didn’t like. And because my blog posts need to try and stay in a readable length, if I left off your favorite, please share in the comments for all to enjoy.

1 – The California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, California. I have to start off with where my love affair began. This is my hometown Fair where I won my first blue ribbon, showed my first grand champion lamb and if the truth be told was actually the Fair queen in 1986. And thanks to Vivian Robertson, this is my first job in this incredible industry. Why go visit, well the obvious is the decades long tradition of big name entertainment. Fairgoers travel hours to see their favorite musical artist every July. But me my favorite part holds a special spot in my heart for many reasons. There is a little area nestled between two commercial buildings called Mission Square. Yes, it is a creative endeavor of yours truly, but it is so much more. It celebrates the amazing Central Coast wine industry. Features local products, chef demonstrations, an artisan craft cocktail competition and the sampling of olive oil. There is music, shade and a feeling that you are no longer on a fairgrounds. Who needs to go local wine tasting, it’s all there waiting for you in one place.

2- The San Diego County Fair in Del Mar, California.  How many times have you road a Ferris Wheel and looked out into the Pacific Ocean? But the uniqueness of this month long event doesn’t stop or even start in the Fun Zone. Known for its amazing celebration of the Fair theme, there is an entire building celebrating the annual hook. From the amazing Mad About the Fair (a nod to Alice in Wonderland) to this year’s Let’s Go Retro celebration, they dig their heels into creating a new gig annually. But Jacky what’s the hidden gem? Let me assure you, there are quite a few. The Design in Wood exhibit is like nothing I have ever encountered in all my Fair gypsies days. Imagine the finest wood craft entries immersed in an actual wood shop. It is a very special place that the love of the art hits you the moment you walk in the door. Other creative highlights not to miss is the Gems and Minerals Show, Flower Show, Photography and Garden Show. And if you are into art, the pop up art gallery built in the middle of the pari-mutuel stalls of the first floor of the grandstand is a destination all by itself.

3 – Monterey County Fair in Monterey, California. This quintessential small Fair hosts two exhibits that one just doesn’t discover every day. Remember how I began this blog by encouraging one to participate? Well Monterey sits in the heart of the Salinas Valley and the commercial produce growers all compete in the Agriculture Horticulture Department. Walking into this building ones’ senses are stimulated with the freshest greens money can buy. Farm to Table is displayed with the bounty of blue and purple ribbons galore. Further down the grounds, tucked away in a small building is the wool show. A room full of prizes winning fleeces where the floor is lined with spinners creating magic from the raw product. And if you are in need of a new fleece for your next knitting project, stop by on the final morning and be the winning bidder on the pelt of your choice.

4- The Lodi Grape Festival in Lodi California.  This may be the smallest event on my list. If you are looking for a junior livestock show you will not find one on this campus. But what you will find is the most creative competition. Entrants create 8 x 12 foot grape murals. Wait … what are you talking about Jacky? This is a creative competition that has a huge dose of patience. Competitions are given the Fair theme and then spend months designing the concept and layout. The week leading up to the Fair, they begin placing grapes one by one to create this ultimate work of art. Go, see, it is unreal and while you are there be sure to partake in a lovely glass of Lodi wine.

5 – The Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Have you ever seen the 1945 classic State Fair?  Well although that story shares the journey of a family at the Iowa State Fair, the grand feeling it beholds can easily be encountered with a day at the Indiana State Fair.  Honestly it may take more than one day to truly embrace all the event has to offer.  My treat is for anyone that has ever exhibited livestock.  A must see if the new state of the art Hog Show Barn.  Every last detail has been thought about with both the exhibitor and fairgoer in mind.  Stunning, marvelous, mindful, are just a few words that still do not do it justice.  If you are a livestock show junkie, seeing is believing.

6 – The Kentucky State Fair in Louisville, Kentucky.  This multi day event checks every box in a day at the Fair experience.  Here I had my first encounter with Tobacco judging and a variety of Ham competitions.  Yes, Country Hams are huge in Kentucky.  The 4-H show in 2023 had just over 1,000 Country Ham projects showcased.  And speaking of youth programs, the State Fairs in this neck of the woods do an outstanding job celebrating 4-H and FFA members’ achievements.  With thousands of square feet devoted to youth entries, one could spend a day just learning about the impact these vital programs make each and every day on our future leaders.

This list could go on and on, but I am going to pause right here and challenge you to go find that hidden gem at your local Fair.  Trust me there are still many wonderful annual Fairs that I have yet to explore. We all think of the corn dogs, carnival rides and entertainment, but I bet if you search deep enough you will discover a whole new aspect of your community.  It is high time for everyone to go out and celebrate their local Fair.  And maybe, just maybe it will inspire you to flex your creativity and set your sights on that sought after blue ribbon. 

The cover photo is of Tisha, Peggy and I roughly four days before the front gates open at the California Mid-State Fair. A freak tropical storm blew through Paso Robles late on Saturday night and come Sunday morning everything was flooded and full of mud. This is us dragging furniture, props and decor out of Mission Square. A day that we shall never forget.