Monday, September 27, 2010

Country Living Fair 2010


This fair is HUGE!  Talk about sensory overload! I wanted to go last year but the good or shall I say the 'bad' husband refused to take me so sadly I forgot all about it until 'Miss Amy' from Verde Farm blog invited me to join her.  Yay!  There was no stopping me this time so off we went.

The weather cooperated and surprisingly the traffic wasn't too bad considering the throngs of women walking towards the entrance gates.  There weren't many men at all.  I could just imagine being with the bad husband and hearing the typical 'you don't need that!' mantra as I would attempt to get a closer look at something cute.
As we reached the ticket booth, Amy discovered her camera wasn't behaving.  Oh no! After a few worrisome moments, I got it going and we began trekking towards the tents.  Goff Creek Pottery from upstate New York proved to be our first find! I found these tasteful but very heavy cow figures for my kitchen.  Reasonable pricing afforded me two and thankfully, they held our bags so we didn't have to lug additional weight around.
The crowds began to thicken and the lines grew to extreme lengths.  One vendor had the longest wait to purchase which was a complete turnoff so I didn't spend much time with them knowing there would be that punishing delay....and I so wanted those straw pumpkins!
Did you know there are hundreds of 'war dogs' saving our soldiers from bombs that are killed? So very sad, I could not be a soldier, love a dog and see it die for me...I hate war!

There were all sorts of crafters.  Cute pumpkin pillows, scarecrows, aprons, and vintage linens attracted me but one of my favorites was a woman who featured dried florals.  Very different from the norm.  I didn't get any photos but did notice she had participated in the Philadelphia Flower Show.  I really wanted to buy some of her arrangements but due to too many bags I feared the delicate beauties would be crushed to bits by the time we reached the truck.  I loved her Fairy Grass.  And speaking of dried plants...Sweet Annie was all over the place.  I hadn't heard of it until I read about it on a blog a week ago.  I think I will grow some next year.  Its' distinct scent had a mix of mint and floral and a kind lady told me that it is exceptional at repelling insects. 

Nancy Drew Birdhouses!  I wanted one!!

A few reanactors in a small colonial house.
 
I wanted that cute scarecrow too!
Lunch was easy and quick and we were lucky to find a table.  We met two separate sets of folks who shared our table from Indiana and they were so friendly! Kudos to Indiana! We stopped in the Country Living store and finally found those green floral canvas bags that so many were carrying.  My fingers were relieved that the blood could now flow ending the purple hued tips.  Seriously, my bags were full!



I loved seeing all the pumpkins and gourds everyone was friendly and mannerly which was nice.  I don't think it was layed out well though and for 'nubies' like us, colored tent tops would have helped so we could know what areas we already visited. You know, blue over there, orange near the food area, etc.  'Bag Check' tents should have been installed (i think there was only one) and scattered throughout and I would have paid to store mine.  It began to get tiresome to always put down my bags in order to take a pic or examine a potential find and it prevented me from further purchases.  Crafts can be bulky!
 Boo! No hanging animals!!
 Overall it was a blast and I am so glad we went.  Amy and I are a lot alike especially when we ooohed and aaahhhed over all of the neat 'eye candy'.  The bad husband always mocks me when I exclaim over something unique, insisting that I sound like Edith on Archie Bunker....thanks honey, such a nice thing to tell your wife! Now I feel better as Amy is even worse and I told her we were like the folks at Mayberry (Andy Griffith show) who have never been out of our small town.  We just couldn't help ourselves as bad as we tried to control it!  For those of you further south, Country Living is having this same fair in October near Atanta at Stone Mountain.  If you attend, I am sure you will not leave empty handed, unless you bring your husband! ; )


14 comments:

Anne Marie said...

how fun!! i haven't ever been to that one...but hope to some day......

Verde Farm said...

It was so fun and I'm so glad we went! I wish I had brought home the big birdhouse and that flying pig too. Are you regretting those big pumpkins you left?
Amy

Kritter Keeper at Farm Tails said...

yes amy...and the nancy drew birdhouse...my sis would have liked that. i also would have taken a scarecrow from that pumpkin gourd area. i also am haunted by those sweet little bird things (plates, ring stand, etc.) and that wide burlap ribbon! sigh....husband read the blog and smiled at the edith bunker sentence...

JC said...

WOW !!!

Steph said...

I've always wanted to go to that! The one in Atlanta would be only a few hours away, but, of course, its during harvest season. Plus, Atlanta scares me, lol.

Angela said...

I read Amy's post yesterday. Sounds like you two had way too much fun! hehehe I'm glad you got to go this year!

Have a Great Week!
Angela

ClassyChassy said...

This looks like a blast!!! Enjoyed your post and photos that went with it!

Angela said...

Just popped in to let you know I went to Sams Club on Corridor G today. They have big cans of canned pumpkins there right now. It reminded me of you! I think there were 3 in a pack for around $5???

Have a Great Day!
Angela

Rural Rambler said...

Kritter Keeper how FUN! Lucky you and lucky us that we get to see pictures! Your cornucopia of punkins is awesome! Glad you had a blast :)

Unknown said...

I LOVE your blog! We have much in common...animal lover, horse owner, deer watcher and petter...(I am trying) I will be back!

xo,

annie

Anonymous said...

Wow! What a great fair!! Love all of the creative pumpkins!

E+J

Country Gal said...

Hello ! I found your blog on a search and I love it. I am definatly a follower. I was raised on a farm and loved it, We live in the country in a old farm house in a small village with our fur babies and love it . One day I will get back to having farm animals again, I remember as a child how great they are, I do miss them .Great photos !

Flat Creek Farm said...

I so enjoyed both of your accounts of this fair! I am still jealous!! :) I've had Sweet Annie seed for two years (from an eBay seller). I still haven't sown any yet - next year definitely. I love that stuff! Several years ago there was a wonderful annual event for ladies around here called "Weed Day". Sweet Annie was a popular dried item there. Everyone brought their own containers for arrangements, and other supplies. And also dried weeds, flowers, leaves, etc to share. It was a blast!! Sadly, the two sweet ladies who hosted this event both passed away. Anyway.. sorry such a long comment, but had to tell you my long-time love for Sweet Annie ;) Thanks for sharing the Country Living Fair with us!! -Tammy

Dog Trot Farm said...

What a great time you two girls had. How I wish I could have been with you both. As I mentioned to Amy I fell for the apron with the block print of the squirrel and loved the fabric pumpkins. My suggestion for next time would be to bring backpacks! Thanks for taking us along, Oh I did love the cow figurine, and lucky you to purchase two.