The Budweiser Clydesdales

A highlight for me this year at the LA County Fair is the Budweiser Clydesdales. They are such spectacular horses and such an amazing sight. They participate each late afternoon in the parade around part of the Fairgrounds when the high school bands from different cities march as communities throughout the area are highlighted and people from each community are recognized. The parade features floats filled with people throwing strands of beads to the crowd (this is a big crowd favorite) and cars both old and new driven by their proud owners. The Fairgoers stop to watch the parade, catch a strand or two of the beads, and smile and wave at the parade participants. My family and I had a wonderful time riding in the parade last week and it was a treat to see all of the people along the parade route. It's a "good feeling" parade and a fun time for everyone.

The Los Angeles County Fair

For pure fun, engaging educational opportunities, and so much to see and do, the LA County Fair is unbeatable! From my first trip to the Fair when we first came to Claremont and a new friend took us to ride the rides to the many trips with the students and teachers at my school, the Fair has been a fun part of my life. To have something this big and exciting and just plain fun right almost in our backyard is unbeatable. This Fair is one of the largest in the country and it is well-planned and well run. The educational exhibits & activities for students are fun & entertaining with a lot of learning happening all the time. The Big Red Barn offers children & adults the opportunity to watch cows, goats, and sheep being born, to see chicks hatch, and to pet goats. There are pig races and goat milking and sheep shearing. California Heritage highlights the history of our state. The many competitions from beautiful handwork and crafts to culinary treats of all types are very popular. Horse races take place daily at the Grandstand. The Budweiser Clydesdales pull their wagon each evening in the daily parade when an area community is highlighted. The high school bands from the different communities march each day, along with cars & assorted floats. Claremont Day is September 23, and my family & I will be riding in the parade as some of the honored citizens. Oh, yes, you can buy almost any food you can think of that has been deep fried. I'll check that out and let you know THE most amazing one this year.

Go Jayhawks!!!

KU stumbled in their opening game, but they came out ready to roll today. They took on Georgia Tech, ranked #7, and they beat them in an exciting game in Lawrence. I've loved football since I was in grade school and so has Butch. Now we're watching Texas play. Have we had the TV on football since Thursday night? You betcha! Go Longhorns! Go Jayhawks! Yes, Derry, I'll root for OU if they're not playing the 'Hawks or the Longhorns. Still owe you that dinner for last year. We will celebrate soon FOR SURE.

The Pool Man Begins "School"

Today was Luke's first day at "school." It's a super place where both his brother and sister have gone. Did he feel like a "big kid" carrying his lunch box just like his brother and sister? Yes! Did he love this new place? Yes! Did his mom have some pangs about leaving him? Yes! Was he a happy camper when she picked him up? Yes! Enough said.