I have visited the Puyallup Fair every year for as long as I can remember. Even though it recently rebranded itself as the Washington State Fair, to me it will always be the Puyallup Fair. When I was young I would oftentimes get picked up early from school and we would make the long drive to the fair grounds. I think part of being a kid is thinking every car ride over ten minutes is long. Ha! When I think of the fair my thoughts immediately turn toward the food, animals, rides and vendor booths. I have spent many hours walking up and down those vendor stalls enjoying the Kitchen Craft or Vitamix shows. Although I am never really compelled to buy any of these products, it is still fun to see what their latest gimmick or sales tactic is this year.

I am particular about my food and the fair is no different. I have grown up eating at BBQ Pete's and to me it is some of the best food at the fair. Even though they have a brick and mortar shop in Kent and Puyallup I have yet to ever visit it. In addition to Pete's I am a big fan of Fisher Scones. The most comical part is how long I will wait in line to get one. While everyone around me is ordering a dozen or two I always just walk away with one single scone. I love a nice hot scone with jam, but figure if I want a dozen or two I can just make them at home.

I love the quirky food displays and the vintage rides. Most of the these rides I can remember enjoying as a child. Also, I remember thinking the year 2000 seemed so distant and futuristic. The mind of a child really cannot grasp what the world will be like fifteen years from now, but when it comes to the fair most things have really stayed the same.

I am grateful to have been part of a family who had traditions. It has encouraged me to create an environment in my own family where traditions are a vital thread in the fabric of our lives.