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County fair experience dampened<br>by rainfal; still a fun time

Rain, rain, rain.

That’s what we found at this year’s Coconino County Fair — at least on Labor Day Monday. It’s difficult to complain about rainfall since we need it so desperately.

However, it seems Grand Canyon didn’t get a whole lot of rain that Monday afternoon. It poured in Flagstaff for at least 90 minutes, but when we got home, nothing appeared to be wet.

The clouds began to burst just moments after I decided to buy $15 worth of carnival ride tickets from a booth featuring a sign “NO REFUNDS.”

Brandon made his way through one of those attractions with punching bags, rope bridges and slides. Dorothy then climbed aboard some big ride that tossed her upside down while going around and around.

This big metal contraption seemed to be the perfect place for lightning to strike, and it had us and a few other parents worried as the storm blew over the carnival.

The rain began to fall and cracks of lightning could be heard in the distance about the time this ride started. After it ended, the kids scampered off and everyone was thankfully safe.

That’s when the waiting began. Huddled underneath a carnival game tent, we must have stood there for 45 minutes hoping it would let up. Dorothy and I even played a dart game to pass the time.

Later, when it seemed to be getting lighter, we decided to head back toward the exhibit halls. We ducked into the flower exhibits and took a look around. We were in there another 15 minutes before making our way to the main hall, where several vendors were set up.

In this building was also the art exhibit, which was fairly interesting. There were a few photographs of Grand Canyon, including a great winter scene shot.

By the time we finished touring the art exhibit, it had been 90 minutes. The rain was still falling and there were nothing but gray clouds in the distance to the west. I was going to give up and suggest we just head home, eating the lost money on the carnival tickets.

Of course, this prospect was pretty upsetting to the 8-year-old. He was looking forward to those rides; it’s such a huge thing for a kid to hand those tickets over to a carnie and go around in circles.

After eating a barbecue pork sandwich (not cheap at $5.50, but it was good), the rain stopped. But would the rides be going again? With Brandon now excited, we headed back over to the carnival.

Most of the rides were running again, some were closed because they were too wet (one of the big slides, for example). We quickly went from ride to ride and used up the tickets.

Brandon’s favorite ride this year was one where he lies on his stomach and hangs onto these handlebars as they fly up and down and around in circles. It was the riskiest ride I’ve allowed him to try, but he’s getting older.

What eased my tension was a young teen-age girl who climbed onto this “glider” right next to his. She chatted with him and made airplane noises as they giggled and laughed. That young girl did a very nice thing by simply riding next to him and having fun.

Later, as he tried to decide what to use his last three tickets on, we headed back to that same ride. This time, he was by himself.

In all, the county fair was a good time. The racing pigs were fun to watch and I always enjoy stuffing my face with food. Despite newly-implemented parking charges, we’ll likely be back next year.

(Brad Fuqua is editor of the Grand Canyon News).


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