country life

19 July 2007
On Wednesday, we headed to a small county fair in Standish, MI. It had the same feel as the bigger county fairs that you may have attended. What made it a bit more interesting was the fact that it is indeed a rural fair with limited population in the area and, I think, reflects what many of these fairs were like in America in times gone by. It was clearly not being managed by some mega consulting group, but by local folks looking to have a good time and share their efforts. There was judging for various animals, baking, canning, and other crafts. It was a pleasant view of country life.
Today, we continued our immersion in the country life and attended a tractor and power show in West Branch, MI. This was not a tractor pull, but rather a gathering of people interested in farming and related power equipment who had collected an enormous amount of equipment that went back to the 1800’s. They meet here to share experiences and perhaps buy and sell gear and spare parts. Mostly they come together in a shared interest and to enjoy the camaraderie.
For me, it brought back memories of my youth, where I spent a number of years on the family farm and reminded me of my prowess as a tractor driver.