Canfield Fair

 

The Canfield Fair is a big event here in Youngstown, and something we wanted to check off our "Youngstown bucket list" before we move away next year.

We got to the fair shortly after it opened last Saturday morning, which worked out perfectly. The crowds were sparse and the temperature was still cool.

 

Our first stop of the day was the bee and honey exhibit, where we learned about modern beekeeping. It's pretty neat how it works!

Next, we headed to the animal barns. First up was the 4-H ponies.
Cambree was interested in this pony until it got a little too close and personal ;)

Bethany loves animals and enjoyed petting several of the ponies.

After the ponies was the bunny barn. There were so many different kind of bunnies--small, giant, spotted, fluffy, etc. Most of them were so cute and soft looking!

Bethany so sweetly talked to many of the animals. "Hello bunny! Hello bunny!" She sure has a sweet little heart.

After the bunnies was the sheep and goat barn. Even Cambree got in on the petting action and pet one of the sheep. She loves animals too, and always gets excited when we see dogs on our walks. It was neat to hear animals being shown in the background for different competitions as we wandered through the various barns.

Then we headed to "Old McDonald's Barn", the official petting zoo part of the fair (not just 4-H show animals), and also cruised by some cows on the way. Bethany and Grace got to hold a rabbit there, which they were pretty excited about, and pet some other animals as well.

Petting a cute little donkey.

As we were making our way back to the other side of the fair to visit some friends, we stopped in a booth that happened to have some beanie babies for $1, so each of the girls got to pick one out as their "treat."

My parents neighbors participate in Civil War reenactments, and were there as part of the fair this year. This is Theresa and her grandma. Grace rides on the same school bus as Theresa, and her and Bethany love to play with Theresa when they go to my parents house for rest time. 

 

 

Checking out Theresa's tent.

Cambree and Kaylee spent most of the 4 hours we were there in their strollers. They were such troopers!

The part of the fair I was most excited about was the historic village. Historic buildings from the area (from the 1800 and early 1900's) have been moved here over time (like a log cabin, schoolhouse, library, blacksmith shop, country store, doctors office, lawyers office, etc.) and it was really neat to see and step back in history for awhile. 

 

The log cabin:

There was some old time music playing in the background as I was exploring the buildings, and I headed back over to where everyone was having a snack to see Grace and Bethany dancing in the gazebo. It was a sweet candid moment.

Grace and my dad checking out the old schoolhouse.

Often as soon as we go outside, Cambree will immediately search the ground for a stick, which is what she and Kaylee are doing here (having just been released from the strollers). I love that about my little adventurer.

Another candid moment. Turned from hanging out by Kaylee (while my parents, Grace, and Bethany explored the old train) to see Travis and Cambree stomping in a puddle. Such a sweet daddy moment!

My parents treated the girls to a couple rides each. Bethany's first choice was the pony rides. She had the BIGGEST SMILE on her face almost the entire ride. She loved it!

Grace's first ride was a pirate adventure obstacle course. She was a little overwhelmed by it all at first, but eventually made her way through it and had a good time.

Bethany's second ride was the kid's ferris wheel. She was pretty scared at the beginning, but warmed up to it as the ride went on. I was proud of her for facing her fear and sticking it out!

Grace's last ride was the batman ship ride. She had a blast going round and round, trying to shoot us with her laser beam.

After the rides, we grabbed some fair food--a Molner's cinnamon roll--and happened upon the cutest puppet show in our quest to find a place to eat it. The kids loved the Muppet and Sesame Street themed show, and we ended up watching it twice and enjoying the shade. Kaylee watching the show:

In between shows, Grace and Bethany made some edible fires (with pretzles, French fry chips, marshmallows, red hots, and candy corn) at the Camp Fire Girls booth. It was such a cute craft and fun treat.

Me and my love.

The best part of the puppet show as getting to snuggle my sweet Cambree. She's such a go-go girl that I treasure every second of cuddle time with her.

While I cuddled Cambree, Kaylee snuggled Grammy and Poppy:

 By this time, the temperature was HOT and the kids were ready for a rest, so we grabbed one last treat--an elephant ear-- and headed home.
We had a great morning, and were so glad we finally made it to the fair!