Surprise . . .
Logan Naples-Marut and Strawberry, her Jersey heifer, morphed into a six-legged ace reporter and photographer team (note the pencil tucked into the band of the dapper hat worn by Strawberry) to compete in the annual Durham Fair animal costume parade. Dairy and beef cattle, sheep, swine, goats, poultry and rabbits were allowed to enter with rosettes awarded in three age divisions.

Sunday at the Durham Fair after some torrential rains, the sun came out and the fun ranged from livestock exhibits and shows, the giant pumpkin patch and live music. Tractors and teams competed in two separate areas showing off different forms of horsepower. The Ferris wheel spun, the cotton candy and fried dough were consumed along with a smorgasbord of other culinary choices.

Families made memories – and built muscles walking and powering up muscles to push strollers up the “hill” that separates the lower fairgrounds from the upper Broadway area and the green.

And those who love fairs are not alone. Yes, weather is a factor, but not for the die-hard fans. The Big E, largest fair in the Northeast, reported 1,228,418 (third highest attendance record) fair-goers through the gates in 2010. The State Fair of Texas, the largest state fair in the U.S. for those who judge by annual attendance – reported 2,618,500 attendees in 2010. However, the Minnesota State Fair has a higher average daily attendance.

Coming up: Berlin Fair, Sept. 30, Oct. 1, and Oct. 2; Harwinton Fair, Oct. 1 and Oct. 2; Riverton Fair, Oct. 7, 8 and 9, all in Connecticut. The Topsfield Fair in Massachusetts opens Sept. 30 and runs through Oct. 10. The Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival, Oct. 1 and Oct. 2 and, also this weekend, the 4th Annual Farmall Hill Antique Field Days, Shoreham, VT.

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Logan and Strawberry, who as a team took home top prize for funniest and the rosette in their age division – and all who got out in the ring to compete and have some fun. We love your spirit.