Starting the Schoolyear Right

We always start our school year in a very specific way...by participating in the local fall fair. It is fantastic family fun every year and also a chance for Duck and I to make some pocket money! The fair we attend is an old fashion, small town affair - almost like a Sunday School picnic (that's right, no midway or loud music). The games include tug-of-war, running races, three-legged race and sack races. Each age group, right up to adults has a nail driving contest and cross cut saw contests. All rounded out with a corn roast and BBQ - this can't be beat!


Each of the contests mentioned comes with a cash prize for the winners - sometimes as much as a dollar! But Duck and I really enjoy preparing our crafts for the fair. Again, each age group has specific categories that can be entered into for cash prizes. The picture shows three of the crafts that the 7 & 8 year olds have in their categories: a pet rock, treasure box and fair scene (any medium).



There is also a category for a sock puppet, penmanship contest, best fruit & vegetables, as well as a leaf collection.


This next picture shows the pillow cases I made for the sewing category. I'm also planning on making a skirt; entering several baking categories and the photo contests. There is tremendous, but friendly, competition for all ages (I'm taking great risk in showing pictures of our crafts prior to the fair - keep it a secret!). The families that participate have come to know each other well over the years of competition. Last year Duck won the most points in her age group and earned a nice amount of prize money - $25, plus a trophy.


Because alot of these families who attend also homeschool, this has become everyone's first big school project each year. It is a fun way to start off, too. I encourage each of you to look around your communities for one of these old-fashion fairs. You won't be disappointed and your kids will love it.

For more Show & Tell Fridays, go here.

(P.S. I haven't forgotten my promise to show pictures of our 'Back to School' party - it will be in September, we just have to work out the logistics)