I remember that the height of every summer growing up was going to the All-Iowa Fair in Cedar Rapids. We would get up really early one morning and take the "long, long" drive out to the fairgrounds on the south edge of town. Both my husband and I remember it took FOREVER to get there (about 20 minutes). My mother was always the brave one who took us to the fair. Dad was working and no desire to spend more time in the hot sun after working all day in a sweltering factory. The fair marked a lot of milestones--first pony ride, first fair after braces (no sticky foods), date nights, taking our children. Everyone went to the fair--babies, kids, teens, business types, farmers, and older folks. We spent long days in hot stalls looking at prize chickens, winning pickles, watching the mesmerizing sales pitches for new kitchen gadgets, and then staying until the lights came up on the midway. These are truly American institutions and part of our collective memory. Next week is fair week in Dubuque County. I hope you go out and have a really good time. Make some family memories of your own.
The library may be quieter next week because of all the fair goers, but that's okay. Summer reading is winding down and programs are ending. We have had a fantastic summer. Thank you so much for coming and for bringing your children to our events. We petted bats, canoed, tie-dyed, listened to stories, ate pizza, built flashlights, talked about books, and much more. This is truly the heart of the public library. We reach out to you in and you take our hand and join us. Another part of the American story.
Don't forget that your students and little ones need to keep reading through the end of the month. Keep checking out books, logging your reading time, and turn in your slips for the grand prizes. The drawing will be the first week of August.
Pack lots of sunscreen, stay hydrated, forget the calorie count, and enjoy the fair!
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