This event took place a few weeks ago but I just now have the time and energy to do a couple journals.For you expats this may not be of much interest and for city people it's probably downright cornball but for people who've never been to rural America it's an opportunity to see us as we really are vs. through the perverted lens of Hollywood or the jaded view of CNN.For generations American farmers have been members of the local Grange and for 135 consecutive years those in Central Pennsylvania have gathered at their Grange Fair.Here's some history: http://www.grangefair.net/history.htmlIt's essentially a big-ass farmer's camp-out and has expanded to include amusement rides for the children, exhibits, entertainment and FOOD.Here's the view from one of the outlying parking lots. Beyond the mountain is the Nittany Valley and Penn State: The tent rows. Families move in here for the entire week. There is a waiting list that may take years and the spots are often passed from one generation to the next:  Some of my cousins have spots here and one inherited one of the best locations from her father. I go for the food, exhibits and to see my cousins once a year but most people go from place to place and "visit" friends and neighbors for hours on end (I might last an hour doing that...) The peaceful view at night::  Exhibit hall:  Canned goods contest:  Yes, people grow vegetables here:  As you can imagine, Penn State is big here:  Here's somethng you won't see in Bangkok: coal stoves for sale:   My cousin's very energetic 2.5 year-old triplets. They wore me out just watching...  A warm summer evening:  Ok, enough for this edition.Watch for future volumes including: - A tribute to AAA - Let's EAT! - Animals - Baaaaaa. - You think Bangkok's tuk tuks are tricked out? Watch the TRACTOR PULL! - Entertainment and walking around.  

canned goods are the bomb ! I wish I had a garden and a wood stove.

it's fair season here in new england as well...great time of the year...

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Let's EAT!!

i like your pic, especially the triplets : )

dude thanks for sharing -- it kinda reminds me of the state fair when I lived in Ohio as a kid -- I love state fairs and that kind of stuff outdoors -- and dude I rarely see you post -- you should post more -- take it easy -- enjoy the rest of your weekend

interesting photos to see. I agree it's totally different from what I saw on TV.

keep more coming. thanks for sharing.

Eagle>> Thanks Jerry. I'm determined to get a natural gas space heater this year. I'd love the feel of a wood stove but I'm afraid I'll burn my f'ing house down...

Garlic>> The fairs are corny as hell but yes we grew up with them. I go now for the food and memories of years past. If I get time I'll post some photos from the NY State Fair. I'm off to Bloomsburg the 29th...

AAA>> Every time I walk past food now I think of you and want to document my dining experience for others. I appreciate learning about Asian food and places from you.

Karma>> I didn't think people would be impressed with the fair! I guess the world does indeed have other people like me. Thank you for the kind thoughts and I'll make a point now to document more of these things.

Breakofdawning>> I seem to be on a mission to define the real USA - I even have to define rural New York State where I live vs. NY City for my American friends.... I can assure you we don't suffer daily gunfights, car chases ending in fireballs and cowboys trampling through bars on their horses. Well, maybe in the Bronx....