Coconino County Fair

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One of the most exciting September events in Flagstaff, Arizona is the Coconino County Fair at Fort Tuthill County Park. There is entertainment of all kinds, exciting carnival rides, and lots to see and do. This was the 66th year of the annual affair.

Though the gates were just opening, there was already a crowd in line ahead of us.










There were a few colorful types outside in the parking lot.







The line appeared to be fairly long, but it seemed to move pretty fast.




The local agricultural youth association had animals on display. Though these turkeys beckoned, we headed for the midway first.










There were promises of delicious food items for later.

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I wish I had been able to take a better photo of this man on the clown bike.




He kept moving too fast and was zipping around the stalls.







I saw three different lamas and found them fascinating.




They reminded me of enthusiastic dogs, and appeared to be very intelligent and interested in what was going on around them.







The midway was now in our sights.




These men were intent on keeping everything clean. Also, for the first year, smoking was banned inside the fair grounds.










Since we were early it had not yet gotten crowded.

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Was there a place to check your firearms, or could you bring them with you?

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According to the sign at the entrance (see above) weapons were not allowed, so you would have had to leave yours in the trunk of the car, Kerouac.

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There were rides for people of all ages. This one made me sick just to watch.

[bixaorellana]

Super fun and the colors! You got some great pictures.

Who knew that lamas had great personalities?! I loved seeing all the men with cowboy hats, boots, etc. Nice to see a part of the US that retains some of its own style. Also so nice to see the fair early in the day, with now crowds and the little kids not overwhelmed. Did the helicopters have anything to do with the fair?

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I really don't think the helicopters had anything to do with the fair, Bixa, but can't say for sure. I just happened to catch them flying overhead when I had my camera out. There's a commercial airport nearby, but I gathered these were military helicopters, especially since there were at least ten all together.

Yes, going to the midway at the beginning of the day was a great call on the part of my son and daughter in-law, especially since their children are all very young. They hardly had to wait for rides and it was easy to walk around. Plus, as you can see from some of the clouds, the weather was a bit precarious. We ended up getting rained on later in the day, but by then they had ridden enough of the rides (from an adult's perspective, anyway).

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Rain is a complete treat in that part of the world.

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So true, Kerouac.

As for the helicopters, my son said many military helicopter pilots come here to do high altitude training.

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The sunlight was so strong that I got a bit sunburned. I certainly kicked myself several times for not bringing my hat along for the day.

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Later, as the dark clouds moved in and it started to rain, we found seats under a large tent and got the little ones something to eat for lunch. From our semi-dry seats we could see some of the acts by the Kent Family Performers. Here are a few photos taken from far away with my little camera (I'd already safely protected my new one from the elements).

Eating fire.







I assume this was one of the seven performing Kent children. He was also the stilt walker seen in an earlier post.




I think he was juggling eight balls at this point.
















Don't let the optical illusion caused by the ladder in the background fool you. He's really balancing his sister on his chin.




Juggling sabers while up on the ladder.

[bixaorellana]

I am sorry you got sunburned, but that sky is beautiful and the colors in the pictures are so pure. Super fun thread. I love how even the grown boy in the last photo in #9 has a look of fascinated wonder on his face, and that even from behind it's obvious that the audience for the mustachioed juggler is rapt.

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Everything is so colourful at such an event. Without even taking into consideration the performers, that is the principal thing that makes it all "special" compared to peoples' relatively colourless daily lives.

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As the rain continued in earnest, we made our way to the concrete buildings housing the livestock. Each barn was manned by Future Farmers of America students who proudly offered information about the animals they'd just raised.

Some of the rabbits were huge.




While others had gigantic ears.







Most of the pigs laid around peacefully, unaware of the fate that awaited them.







Their owners were an animated group and, since it was pouring outside, had a fairly captive audience with which to converse.





I found it hard to believe these pigs were only six months old.














The cattle were all a year and a half in age, and were calmly chewing their cuds.




There was a break in the rain so, with one last look at a proud owner, we hurried the four exhausted children to the car and took leave of the fair.

[mossie]

Looks like a great day out.

[tod2]

A terrific walk-about with you at this interesting fair full of fun! You have given us a real insight as to how you folks enjoyed yourselves.
Those pigs are so spotlessly clean! I bet their poop gets dispatched within minutes so they keep in a pristine condition.
I love the little cowgirl using the cows rump for a seat!

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You're so right about the cleanliness, Tod. The barns were well tended.


Here's another look at the girl with the cows.

[nycgirl]

Looks like a fun all-ages event. I like how you captured the flavor of the event.

I feel bad for the animals, but they do indeed look well cared for.

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Oh, I felt a bit sorry for the animals, too, though I certainly enjoy to eating their kind.

I did overhear one of the young men say how strange it felt to be parting with his pig after having it for a companion for the last several months.