Get out and about

Hi neighbors. My daughter sent me pictures of her and her family at the Iowa State Fair via email today. She lives just a block away from the fairgrounds and goes every year. Usually friends and family converge on her home for a two to four day stay to attend.

Living that close, she uses the fairgrounds a lot during the year. She and her husband and daughter all bike ride there and her daughter goes with her to practice her driving skills with her learner's permit. The fairground is like a small town with a few miles of paved roads, stop signs, road signals and very little to no traffic most of the year.

Her husband earns some kudos from friends during fair time. He and all his neighbors, turn their yards into parking lots for friends and family. It's only a block away to the fair gates.

When I go to visit, I enjoy walking around the fairgrounds. Alyssa, Jenny and I can walk the nature trail area or go to the busy fair hub. It's a nice peaceful walk either way.

The entire state fairground is energized by a huge wind powered electricity-producing fan. It stands on a hill and can be seen for miles. Supposedly it provides all the power needed for the fairgrounds during the fair and throughout the year for other events.

There are antique car shows, live entertainment with singers and dancers, animal showings and judging, etc. The grounds and buildings are in use most of the year.

I've never attended either the Iowa State Fair or the Missouri State Fair. I don't handle the heat too well and all the walking is more than I can tolerate now that I've reached AARP membership age. But I enjoy the photos and hearing about the adventures others have had.

It's nice to have traditions carried on from generation to generation. Most elders can share stories with their children or grandchildren about local and national organizations they belong to; local fairs and celebrations they have attended.

Many people enjoy Bushwhacker Days simply to meet up with friends who live out of town or state, and come back to visit for the weeklong event.

The same is true with many towns in the Midwest and throughout the world.

Stockton has the annual Walnut Festival. Sheldon has the Old Settlers Picnic. Jerico Springs has the annual Picnic and Baseball tournament. Most counties have a county fair where young people can show off the skills they have learned in 4-H clubs and other youth organizations like Scouting.

Many county fairs offer competition for adults as well with women vying for blue ribbons for their canned goods, pickles, jellies and homemade pies. Men bring in their best livestock and homegrown harvests of all types. It is stiff competition between these skilled men and women and youth; but it's all in fun as well.

Between fairs, picnics, festivals and rodeos, there is some place to go almost every weekend in the summer and autumn.

It's strange how many small towns, museums and local events or historic sites go unnoticed. The Missouri Tourism website (https://www.visitmo.com/) offers monthly calendars showing local, county, statewide and national events throughout the state. You can write for a copy of their tourist's guide, maps and local events book at Missouri Division of Tourism, 301 W. High Street No. 290, Jefferson city, MO 65101.

I'm sure every state offers this same information.

This winter you can order the 2017 copy of the book and plan some summer weekend get-ways or day trips to fun local events. There is always something unique to see and do just around the corner. Don't forget, when autumn gets here to take some drives out across the state to see the beautiful fall colors in the woods.

Until the next time friends, remember, getting out and about is the best way to enjoy your day and your friends and community.