Building Gypsy Rose

 The 139th annual Tunbridge Fair was held on September 16th through 19th. One of the few remaining "country" fairs in Vermont, it draws folks from all over the state and beyond. Marion's mom comes to visit each year during fair time and my folks drive across the state to take in the sights and sounds. My favorite events are the horse pulling and antique tractor pulling which each have a uniquely rural flavor.

The power of the team is truly magnificent.

 Equally colorful are the characters waiting their turn behind the scenes.

Each team is driven by three men - one that does the driving and two that carry the hitch to be dropped on the hook on the weighted sled.

Horses eventually were displaced by machines and the competition to pull changes shape.

Given that 8 of every 10 Vermont farms that I knew as a kid have vanished from the landscape, I find myself caught up in the nostalgia as the fair rolls into town each year.

We were treated to perfect weather for fair weekend with family members enjoying blue skies and good food in the meadow. In the picture below, my mom and dad, sister Cheryl, Marion, Marion's mom, and Meghann enjoy BLT's before heading off to take in the fair.

All other activities get put on hold for the Tunbridge World's Fair. The barn raising will just have to wait til next week.