DeKalb County Fair 2026

Here’s what I learned this year after attending the DeKalb County Fair:

I am at a place in my life now where I can officially afford to go on the other days of the week… when it’s not “buy one, get one free” night for armbands, on Thursday.

Last year, we went on Thursday: It was so crowded that we ended up not even going on any rides.

Instead, I paid the lady at one of the game booths 20 bucks so that my daughter could “win” a Spongebob prize and then we left.

Ah, but this year… we actually had fun. Not just my wife and my daughter- but I specifically, a grown man… had fun at the County Fair!

For a family of four, you are only saving $60 by going on Thursday night. But here’s the part Alanis Morissette would find ironic, because it really is like 10,000 spoons when all you need is a knife:

What good is it to save $60 if you have to wait nearly an hour to go on each ride? You end up going on less rides for less money, but waste the majority on your time spent there.

Now that I think of… PLEASE go on Thursday! That means there will be even less people there when I am there instead.

 

 

 

Dear Holly: Play-Doh Butter Slime

10 years, 5 months.

Dear Holly,

My favorite Saturdays are when we have nothing planned. Because then, “something” has room to happen.

I loved how one of our recent “nothing” Saturdays found your brother helping you create “butter slime” with a pack of special Play-Doh that somehow ended up at our house.

Life becomes a balance of consuming versus creating.

And maybe that’s what I like about Saturdays where nothing is planned: It forces us to be creative!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Helping the Kids on Papa’s Playground

15 years, 11 months.

 

Dear Jack,

A few weeks back, Nonna and Papa invited the kids from church to have fun on the playground in their backyard. I loved watching the way you quietly appointed yourself as the official guide.

At no point were any parents required. The parents were able to relax while the kids played.

No asked you to do this. You just did.

And the kids loved having you there to help them!

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: Grease Monkey!

15 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

Exactly one month from today will be your 16th birthday! Coincentally, I was able to get a candid view of you working on the electric car for your class at school.

Your teacher referred to you as the “grease monkey” of the class. Based on this photo, I can definitely see why!

Love,

Daddy

 

Dear Holly: Straight A’s!

10 years, 5 months.

Dear Holly,

You came home from school today so eager to show me something…

It was your report card for your first semester of 5th grade:

All A’s!

You are one smart girl. I know for a fact that by the time I got to 5th grade, I had some B’s slipping in there.

Not you, though! Starting off 5th grade so strong. I am so proud of you!

Love,

Daddy