Saturday, September 22, 2012

fair season, for sure...

A few years ago, Ed and I went to the Common Ground Fair. We really enjoyed ourselves and said that it would be a fair that we would like to visit often.... however, with time and commitments, we haven't been able to go back... until this year. We really even weren't sure we could go this year, but suddenly we both had the day off from work, and we have Sadie and Denise to "farm sit".. and the day opened up, and we went... kinda of last minute.
This is a very  nice fair, and very back to basics and "earthly" (for lack of a better word). There is no mid-way, no bright lights (which means it closes at dark), it's all organic, including the food and the way of life. You can't buy soda there, food is fried but in very pure oils... breads are whole grain.. and it's all delicious.
But what I really enjoyed seeing are the "modern ways" of living simply. I loved these little "houses"... you build them into the side of a hill, and they can be used for all kinds of storage, even a root cellar.
This one was a chicken coop -- though you see, the kids had more fun in it. If I had the money, my chickens would be living in style in one of these, for sure!!!!
It's all very geared to the family. As I said, no mid way of rides, but you can use a piece of cardboard and slide down the hill. They also had a whole craft area just for kids, they could do pottery, painting, spinning, cooking, gardening... just a big variety of different things....
There are gardens all around the fair, with all kinds of things in them. You can take workshops on planting and raising food all organic.
The "home" section has all sorts of demos... solar power is very popular, as is wind. They have timber frame homes, the latest in insulation and keeping your house warm... pretty much, if you wanted to build a "green" house, it's all right here.
But, you just have to know, my favorite part were the animals. And unlike the last fair we went to.. there were tons of animals here. Livestock of every kind, birds of every kind and work shops on how to have the animals help out with your lifestyle and farm.
We sat in on a talk about guinea fowl (proper name) and all the good things they can do on your farm.... and then we popped over to a clinic on harnessing a horse. (Nice little Percheron mare!!!) It was fun to listen and see how familiar all these things are to us  now.
The crafts and fiber were my next favorite. These little ornaments are gourds......
Very cute!!!!!!
I loved watching this waterer.... it would look so nice in any type of garden....
And the fiber and yarns!!!! Most hand spun, and all hand dyed. We went from tent to tent ... me trying to decide what "needed to come with me".... (Ed gave up and looked on his own, I was taking so long!!!)
Another nice team of Percheron's... (they seem to be a popular breed here)... these guys did a demo in plowing with a team.....
Back to food.... I can't remember all that we ate, but every bite was grand... my day ended with home made pumpkin spice ice cream.... the best!!!!!!!
As we were leaving, I heard a familiar sound, and caught this flock of geese heading south. Yup, a sure sign, the season is changing....










but, I finally made up my mind and came home with these "goodies", and now when the wintery winds are blowing, I'll have something to occupy my time. Fall in New England... it doesn't get any better than that.