THE WESTBY WATCH

By Heidi Whitney

Westby MT Saturday August 5

HOT DISH!

ALL

By Alyssa Stromberg

Summer may feel like it is flying by, but late summer is when the fairs around the area become the place to be. Whether it is concerts, fair food, beer gardens, the rodeo or just perusing the exhibits, fairs bring a sense of excitement for all who attend.

I remember as a child and teenager the fair was a big deal! We were allowed to wear our new school clothes and that was an event, school had only begun the week before. I would see classmates, and maybe even my crush. The lights, the noise, the peo- ple, the rides, hoping your parents would let you stay a little later. Then came the teenage years, we were dropped off or allowed to ride with friends. Man, were we cool wandering around with our friends, staying until dark and maybe, just maybe, getting to ride a ride with that one cute guy while all your friends made obnoxious noises and innuendos. Oh, to be young again!

As an adult the memories of the fair are there, but somehow the excitement just isn’t the same. As a parent, you want your child to have the same memories of the fair experience to carry with them as they too get older. I am positive money was no problem. Not the case as a parent, there were times I thought I was going to need that money tree which all children are certain exists.

Behind the scenes of the fair, is a group of volunteers known as the fair board. These individuals spend countless hours making sure everything runs smoothly. It is their responsibility to give their community a memorable time and when they leave, they are looking forward to next year’s fair.