YFT Country Fair and Auction

Last Saturday, on a summer day in October (what?!), we checked out the Youth for Tomorrow Country Fair & Auction with my in-laws. Seeing as how we missed visiting the fair with them in August, the YFT fair looked like a good substitute ... and it certainly didn't disappoint!

We arrived as it opened to avoid some of the crowds (and to get home for rest/ naptime). There was plenty to do/ choose from. But my words can't do it justice; the pictures tell a better story, and we didn't even hit everything that was there!

First stop: Pony rides! Leah hopped right up (well, with some help). Hunter, eager to ride one, wasn't as sure once he was on. Thankfully, Daddy was there to walk with him.

This calf was enjoying a nap in a corner away from the other animals in the petting zoo. 

The perk of arriving early? No lines and a moonbounce all to herself!

The Minnieland Children's Tent had plenty of freebies, reptiles, and activities. Both kids liked the turtle...

but Hunter was the only one brave enough to touch the python. Ugh! That snake weighed between 150 and 200 pounds.  I wouldn't want to meet it in a dark alley!

Petting reptiles works up an appetite: making and enjoying chocolate covered pretzels.

Everything at the fair was FREE. Yes, FREE! Free rides, activities, games. We only paid for admission and food. Not a bad way to spend the day, right?

Trying her hand at apple stamping while waiting her turn for the face painting.

Even before the fair, Leah knew what she wanted painted on her face: a cat.

Afterward, she told me she wished she had it on her arm so that she could see it.

Hunter's turn! Notice the ball in his left hand. He wouldn't let go of it for quite some time. (I think he held onto it until lunch.)

Me: "Hunter, show me your dinosaur." Him: Well, you see how compliant he was.

Enjoying the water beads.

And now time for bubbles with the clown! Leah was one of his assistants. Her job? Catch bubbles on the glove. You can see a tiny one above.

Well, if Leah's out there, guess who else had to be?

By mid-morning, Hunter was tired (that's what happens when you stay up until 9:30!), and perhaps a bit overwhelmed by all the activity.

The clown showed Leah how to use the wand to blow big bubbles, and let her try on her own. Her attempts were amusing-- they involved her spinning in circles and whipping the wand around with no regard for those around her. Watch out!

Looking for pennies. Together, she and Hunter found almost 50 cents.

Now this was something Hunter really enjoyed, probably because the water felt good on such a hot afternoon.

Piggy races! Neither Leah nor Hunter's pig won, but the kids enjoyed cheering them on. (And Leah did get a piggy hat just for playing.)

Just like his daddy: Checking out the State Police SWAT vehicle.

Roar!

Heading back to the car. It had been a long day, but was so worthwhile. Looks like this will become an annual tradition!