“Lift Off!” won a blue ribbon for First Place in Fair Themed Poetry. “Let the Funshine In!” was the 2017 theme for the Marin County Fair. As I was preparing my entries for county fairs this year, I wrote this poem to capture the magic of attending the fair which celebrates both long held traditions and new technology. County fair season has become one of my favorite yearly experiences. I am grateful to the 2017 Marin County Fair for awarding a blue ribbon to this poem. This year the my first year where I received a blue ribbon at the Marin fair. In fact, I received two, so please, after you read “Lift Off!” check out “The Sixties” as well.
Lift Off!
Mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons
romping around in the sweet summer sun,
gazing at paintings and sculptures that won,
and creating memories for years to come.
Faces erupting in huge, silly grins,
wrapped in the awe of experience,
exploring centuries old traditions,
and trying fascinating new inventions.
Preserving the artistry of yesterday,
quilting and canning is here to stay.
Decked out in ribbons of red and blue
farm animals happily call out to you.
Couples walk the fairgrounds hand in hand,
enjoying the notes flowing from the bandstand.
Fried food fragrance fills the air,
informing your nose that it’s at the fair.
Glowing rides illuminate the midway
as families unite in fun for a day.
Fireworks ignite a summertime sky,
as the Ferris wheel turns, oh, so high.
Kids try their luck at games of chance.
Winning toy prizes sparks a joyful dance.
Folks cheer loudly as the animals race.
There’s something so magic about this place.
Yes, it’s that amazing time of year again,
when you can let the fun shine in!
Why are you just standing there, son?
C’mon! Lift off! The fair has begun!
