Always in September

There's a sign outside of the Cumberland Fair Grounds that says, "Always in September." It's painted on a building actually. All Summer we drove by and Lexi used to ask me what the sign said until she started to remember what it said AND connected that it was the same month that her birthday was in.  So the moment she heard it was the month of September she started asking when we were going to the Fair.  It's interesting,   the Fair grounds exist all year round and I'm not sure they are actually used for anything else except the Fair, which runs for one week long period.  The grounds span about 5 acres (which is approx 5 square city blocks). So a large space to only be used once a year, but I guess there's no real shortage of space here in Maine.

We really had no idea what the Cumberland Fair would entail, but we had to live up to our promise to Lexi, so we piled into the car on Sunday to head to the Fair. As it turns out, it's a true old fashion Fair.   

 

What do I mean by old fashion?  

Live stock competitions, including cattle competitions and horse and chariot races. 

Showings of every kind of farm animal and breed possible. 

Carnival food, carnival games (yuck!), and carnival rides. 

A largest pumpkin competition. 

A full display of John Deere trucks and farm equipment for sale.  (I have to say that this section was pretty cool.  Have you ever seen shinny new tractors?)

You might guess, but the kids loved it...

Daddy and Heath watching the horse and chariots...

Finny was invited to drive the real fire truck...

Lexi (overexposed sorry) standing by one of the largest pumpkins.  Surreal in person.

Just a random photo of one of the signs above a food vendor.  Not sure what these actually are.  Anyone know?

Loving the carousel

And the motorcycle rides

Dreaming of being  future race car drivers

The gang indulging in freshly cut and prepared french fries

On our way home, we stopped as a local farm to buy a couple of pumpkins.  Each kid got to select their own.

Heath's not sure what to do.

Heath thinks he's getting two.

It was a great Fall day, but Patrick and I can say, we won't miss the Cumberland Fair if we never go back again.