Dear Holly: You Went to the County Fair Here in Alabama

8 and a half years old.

Dear Holly,

Saturday morning, I received a message from Aunt Dana giving me a rundown of the expenses of the County Fair she had experienced the night before. Originally, our whole family was going to make a day out of it. But after her message, it quickly turned into, “Thank you for taking Holly to the fair so I don’t have to go!”

Lucky for you, you have an aunt you lives a few houses down from us who is faithful to assume the role of “Saturday morning hero” and take you to the fair with your cousins.

I am so happy for you that you had such a great time there! And I am almost just as happy that I didn’t have to go.

The pictures look like you had plenty of fun for the both of us though.

 

Love,

Daddy

 

 

Dear Holly: Our Trip to the County Fair This Year

7 years, 3 months.

Dear Holly,

The Williamson County Fair has become so popular and so crowded, that we decided to go on a school night for the first time!

With you and your brother being older now, it’s nice being able to get away with things like that.

We didn’t really have to worry about traffic getting there or lines to get on rides.

Otherwise, we would be waiting in a line that goes for miles, just to get off the Interstate.

So, lesson learned: From now on, we will always go to the County Fair on Thursday night.

The County Fair was a hit and we all had fun!

 

 

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: The Pink Unicorn Your Brother Won for You at the Fair

1 year, 3 months.

Dear Holly,

Last weekend we made our annual visit to the Williamson County Fair. Your brother Jack had entered an amazing picture of a sheep so we enjoyed seeing it on display. But really, his main agenda was to get over to the carnival games. Thanks to Nonna and Papa being in town, his “game allowance” was a little padded.

While Jack definitely enjoyed throwing darts at balloons and picking up “lucky ducks” in the water, he tried out a new game that was just right for a 1st grader boy. He used a cork gun to shoot green Solo cups off of a shelf. Inside some of the cups were special markings, which determined the value of the prize he would win.

After much consideration of the prizes, he ended up choosing a small white tiger stuffed animal. However, he had earned enough points to win a larger prize instead. But he liked the face of the small one better, so he didn’t mind choosing a less valuable prize; because to him, the smaller tiger was more valuable.

Once the man in charge of the game realized Jack’s decision was final, the man looked up to you in Mommy’s arms and said, “Well, since your brother didn’t take the bigger prize he won, I’m going to let that pretty little girl have a prize too!”

Mommy and I checked out on the prizes available. There was an undeniable, obvious choice…

A pink unicorn!

You were so happy to get your prize. And truly, it’s all because of your brother Jack.

So the way I see it, he won you a prize at the fair. I know that made him happy.

What also made him happy was the samurai sword he won from the “lucky ducks” game.

Love,

Daddy

5 Reasons to Take Your Kids to the Williamson County Fair This Summer

j3

For the past few years now, I have been sharing my family’s experiences of the Williamson County Fair in Franklin, TN. It’s simply a family tradition for us at this point.

In anticipation of it returning in a couple of weeks, I want to present my 5 reasons to take your kids to the Williamson County Fair this summer.

Walk-Through Farm Exhibit. I’m sure there’s a more official name for it, but we always love seeing our son simulate harvesting produce, milking cows, feeding chickens, and fishing; then selling those products to the market in exchange for a snack.

5 Reasons to Take Your Kids to the Williamson County Fair This Summer f9 f10

Old-Fashioned Carnival. On the way out from the farm exhibit, my son loves to see all the classic carnival rides you would expect to be there, including one of those rocking pirate ships. And of course, don’t forget the carnival games, as well.

j6

Livestock. It goes without saying that it’s always fun to check out the many animals there at the fair; sort of like a country zoo!

j5

Kids’ Entertainment. Whether it’s led by a magician, a scientist, or an animal expert, there are always special free live kids’ programs going on, which promote interaction with the audience.

Heavy Equipment. Without a doubt, my son loves getting to crawl up on the tractors and other farm equipment. In particular, the Tractor Supply Company will be the Williamson County Fair from August 5th through the 7th with their Mobile Fair Experience; which is making a 9,200-mile trip across the United States, doing 24 stops at state and county fairs, as well as select stores along the way: #TSCFAIRTOUR

5 Reasons to Take Your Kids to the Williamson County Fair This Summer TSC PIC2 TSC pic16

Thanks for reading about the Williamson County Fair. If you haven’t checked it out yet, this could be the year to start this new family tradition!

5 Reasons to Take Your Kids to the Williamson County Fair This Summer

Williamson County Fair: Family Friendly Review

For the past couple of years now, our family has attended the Williamson County Fair in Franklin, Tennessee (near Nashville). We always have a great time!

Williamson County Fair: Family Friendly Review by Nick Shell

If for no other reason, it’s because it exposes our now nearly 4 year-old son to farm life that we “surburbians” would not normally be exposed to.

Williamson County Fair: Family Friendly Review by Nick Shell

Especially for a little boy, the kind of stuff they have at the Williamson County Fair is pure, easy, and cheap entertainment.

I divide the events into 3 main categories: science, heavy equipment, and livestock.

Williamson County Fair: Family Friendly Review by Nick Shell

There is a section of the building where dozens of hands-on science demonstrations are on display.

The rest of the floor is mostly dedicated the heavy equipment, including a fire engine, which families are welcome to sit in.

Also on the floor is a magic show and talent contest.

Outside is where all the animals are: Llamas, goats, bulls, cows, pigs, chickens, and more!

f4

There is a unique “farm walk-through” in which children get to simulate harvesting produce, milking cows, feeding chickens, and fishing; then sell their products to the market in exchange for a snack.

Williamson County Fair: Family Friendly Review by Nick Shell

f5

On the way out, there is an old-fashioned carnival, with all the classic rides you would expect, including one of those rocking pirate ships.

Williamson County Fair: Family Friendly Review by Nick Shell

On the drive home, when I asked my son what his favorite part of the fair was, he responded, “The goats and the pirate ship.”

Williamson County Fair: Family Friendly Review by Nick Shell

I thought that was pretty funny since he seemed slightly afraid of them both when we walked past them.

It’s a solid, fun family event. Just go early, though! Otherwise, it might take an hour just to get off the Interstate exit.

Williamson County Fair: Family Friendly Review by Nick Shell

Also, there is free parking courtesy of Nissan. (I wrote a car review on the Nissan Versa Note not too long ago.). Plus, volunteers will drive your family from the parking lot to the main door in golf carts; also free.

Williamson County Fair: Family Friendly Review by Nick Shell

If you end up going, let me know what you think of it. I’m sure you’ll have a great time!