Hobby Thread - August 30, 2025 [Farmer Rex]

Welcome hobbyists! Pull up a chair and sit a spell with the Horde in this little corner of the interweb. This is the mighty, mighty officially sanctioned Ace of Spades Hobby Thread. The Ace of Spades Wheel of Hobbies(TM) was feeling agricultural this week. A spin of the Wheel landed on state and county fairs.

I have faith that you can either find something in the content that resonates or contribute your own hobbying interests.

You might be tempted to say "I have no hobbies or interests." Bah. Dig around in the content and soak in the comments. Be curious. Glad you're here.

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What are you hobbying?

As per usual Hobby Thread etiquette, keep this thread limited to hobbying. All (legal) hobbying is welcome. However, politics, current events and religious debates can live in threads elsewhere. Pants are optional. Puns are welcome and encouraged.

Play nice. Don't be a troll and do not feed the trolls.

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Are state and county fairs a hobby? Sure, why not? They're tradition, they showcase lots of hobbies, and they have activities and exhibitions not usually seen otherwise. They're all bound by common themes, yet have their own individual personalities.

Fairs offer the chance to show animals, celebrate arts and crafts, and generally give anything 4-H a public stage. Fairs are often the place that kids learn the payoff of time spent raising animals or kids see animals for the first time. The magic of a child seeing newborn chicks for the first time is powerful.

Quilts, cross stitch, flower arrangements, photography, woodworking, fruits and vegetables, cakes and cookies, pickles and jams compete for coveted blue ribbons honoring "the best."

Funnel cakes, carnival rides, and games of skill (or chance) give the midway life.

Somehow, it all comes together in a swirl of activity.

No, we are not going to Scarborough Fair. I don't care how much parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme you have. Anyone bringing up Scarborough Fair will earn a blot on their permanent record.

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Do you attend fairs?

Do you exhibit or compete at fairs? If so, with what?

What is the most fun thing about fairs and why is it pig races?

What is the best thing about animal exhibits and why is it the birthing center?

What are your favorite midway games?

Did you grow up with fairs? What (legal) life lessons did you learn?

What fairs should be on the bucket list for those interested in attending?

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One day old - welcome to the world!

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These little piggies went to the fair.

Mama pig waiting to give birth:

Juvenile pig loves attention.

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Piggie races are packed with puns.

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Prize winning pickes!

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Prize winning quilts and other textile arts are labors of love.

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Sunflower crowd pleasers:

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Food and beverage traditions:

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Judging the heifers:

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Step right up and win a prize!

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A demolition derby is the best evening entertainment at the fair.

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Did you miss the Hobby Thread last week? We did a musical instruments theme. The comments may be closed, but you can re-live the content.

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Notable comments from last week:

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Words of wisdom:

"Because despite all our troubles, when things are grim out in that wide round world of ours, that's when it's really important to have a good hobby." Posted by: tankascribe at June 22, 2024 07:41 PM (HWxAD).

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If you have trouble finding something in the content or comments that resonates with you, contribute something from your personal hobbying. We will feature a different theme next time. What are you hobbying? We love showing off Horde hobbying. Send thoughts, suggestions and photos of your hobbying to moronhobbies at protonmail dot com. Do mighty things.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 05:30 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Welcome Hobbiests

Posted by: Skip at August 30, 2025 05:30 PM (+qU29)

2 Anyone do woodcutting as a hobby? Long distance weather forecast shows the north getting hammered this winter.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 30, 2025 05:30 PM (0eaVi)

3 Certainly fairs are
Pies, livestock food contests
Sadly haven't been to one in way too many years

Posted by: Skip at August 30, 2025 05:32 PM (+qU29)

4 Our county fair is small and in the spring. There's the usual stuff, but not as much as some other places.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 30, 2025 05:32 PM (0eaVi)

5
Too late for the Pet Thread, but it's a hobby (not mine). The Big Dummy got a Hound Group 2 at today's Tri-City KC show in Amana, Iowa.

He finished behind one of the Beagle varieties, who had large entries, but still defeated some 150 dogs. Well done, you dope!

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 30, 2025 05:34 PM (kkTda)

6 One day old - welcome to the world!

Unless you're a male chicken. Then they'll kill you.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 30, 2025 05:34 PM (0eaVi)

7
Might get shot at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, but if HM is in town we may try Fort Bend or Brazoria.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 30, 2025 05:36 PM (kkTda)

8 A demolition derby is the best evening entertainment at the fair.

I beg to differ.

Posted by: And they're off! at August 30, 2025 05:36 PM (0eaVi)

9 5 He finished behind one of the Beagle varieties, who had large entries, but still defeated some 150 dogs. Well done, you dope!

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 30, 2025 05:34 PM
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Congratulations!!!

Posted by: TRex - beagle free dino at August 30, 2025 05:36 PM (IQ6Gq)

10 I think classical stringed instruments (violin, etc.) make the most beautiful musical "sound" when played by an expert.

Unfortunately, they make the most hideous sound of any instrument when badly played by a beginner.

Literally, two opposite statements are both true.

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at August 30, 2025 05:38 PM (HlyYF)

11 I have acquired a new hobby, called watching the radar to see when rain is coming in and when it will leave, since goats do *not* like rain.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at August 30, 2025 05:39 PM (ULPxl)

12 Back in 2013 I took a road trip from N.C. to upper Midwest, Lake Superior and parts of Canada. I walked my sore feet off at the Minnesota State Fair. I had a blast including a free outdoor evening Blue Öyster Cult concert, saw a 1,000 pound hog, milked a cow, and saw lots of contestants grooming their livestock. That's just some of it. Before the Fall of Minneapolis.

Posted by: CapeFear at August 30, 2025 05:42 PM (UZte8)

13 Used to go to the County fair every year. Been to the State fair a couple of times. My favorite was the equipment dealers showing their new tractors.

Posted by: Ronster at August 30, 2025 05:42 PM (ZhhF0)

14 So a bit of Oregon State fair lore: In 1983, Herman the Sturgeon, an attraction at the Oregon State Fair, was stolen from the Roaring River Fish Hatchery display and never recovered. The massive fish, measuring about 10 to 11 feet long and weighing around 450 pounds, was estimated to be 70 to 100 years old. No one knows how the fish was stolen or what became of it.

Posted by: HappyFun at August 30, 2025 05:44 PM (d2+05)

15 Western Washington State Fair.
Doin' the Puyallup!

Quit going years ago when they banned food trucks outside the grounds where the food was 10 times better. And the scones went from 25¢ each to $1.50.
No thanxs.

Posted by: Diogenes at August 30, 2025 05:44 PM (2WIwB)

16 I lived in Dallas during the late 1970s and early 1980s and went to the state fair a couple of times. It was fun during the day but the area was sketchy at night. I can't imagine how dangerous it is now.

The best thing about the arrival of the state fair was that it usually signaled the first real cool front of the year. Believe me, if you're a Texan, the first cool front is a red-letter day!

Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at August 30, 2025 05:44 PM (FEVMW)

17 Fresno has the Big Fair.

Lots of amputees/missing digits in farm country.

Posted by: scottst at August 30, 2025 05:45 PM (8tTWd)

18 14 So a bit of Oregon State fair lore: In 1983, Herman the Sturgeon, an attraction at the Oregon State Fair, was stolen from the Roaring River Fish Hatchery display and never recovered.

Posted by: HappyFun at August 30, 2025 05:44 PM
***
Cue the fish puns...

Posted by: TRex - it was an inside job at August 30, 2025 05:47 PM (IQ6Gq)

19 I miss the Dutchess County Fair in the Hudson Valley. I went every day ( or night) of the six day fair every year for 5 years. It was walking distance from where I lived at the time.

I got to meet Crystal Gayle up close . She’s was a short pretty gal for sure but I would have traded that meeting for free sweet corn soaked in a tub of butter .

Posted by: polynikes at August 30, 2025 05:47 PM (EYmYM)

20 So a bit of Oregon State fair lore: In 1983, Herman the Sturgeon, an attraction at the Oregon State Fair, was stolen from the Roaring River Fish Hatchery display and never recovered.

Posted by: HappyFun at August 30, 2025 05:44 PM

Won $5 at the OSF horse race years ago.

Posted by: Diogenes at August 30, 2025 05:48 PM (2WIwB)

21 Got the Sidebander IV recap done. Had to wait for some mylar caps from Thailand as nobody in the US seems to stock them anymore. Kind of pissed me off that they had a minimum order making me get sixty caps when I needed three. But hey, if ever find another one of these on fleaBay at least I have the parts.

Had a weird mode switch problem. Radio would work or not work randomly when turning the knob. Blasted it with contact cleaner and DeOxit, no change. Came back the next day, it works fine. So I'm calling this a win. Now I just need to find a Console IV to go with it.

Not sure what my next project will be. But I'm sure I'll have something I can pull off my pile of junk to tell you all boring stories about.

Posted by: Blanco Basura - Z28.310 at August 30, 2025 05:48 PM (lUFok)

22 We haven't been to the county fair for a long time but did attend when we first moved to the area. We went with dear friends and their little boys. The kids' reactions to the lights and sounds was some of the best entertainment. It's amazing how much powdered sugar a little boy can get on their face while eating a funnel cake. I impressed them when we tried the make the bell clang swinging a huge mallet. I got about ten in a row and my prizes kept us in cigars for a few days. (I couldn't do it now but this was almost 40 years ago.)

My favorite part of the fair was the 4-H exhibits. Those youngsters really knew their animals and were proud to show them. Their enthusiasm was great to see.

Posted by: JTB at August 30, 2025 05:50 PM (yTvNw)

23 The Houston Rodeo is also a pretty rocking ‘fair’ . The actual rodeo is probably on the bottom of the list for most people attending.

Posted by: polynikes at August 30, 2025 05:50 PM (EYmYM)

24 I knew a carny. It was strongly advised to never eat funnel cake.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at August 30, 2025 05:51 PM (XvL8K)

25 I knew a carny. It was strongly advised to never eat funnel cake.

The mold gets killed in the oil bath and gives it that special flavor you just can't get anywhere else.

Posted by: Blanco Basura - Z28.310 at August 30, 2025 05:52 PM (lUFok)

26 All those carny games are rigged. Nigerian prince scam before there was a Nigerian prince. Spend $100 to win a $1 trinket (at bulk sale prices).

There's a sucker born every minute. And there's always a midway to help them part with their money.

Posted by: RickZ at August 30, 2025 05:53 PM (gKDq2)

27 I went to the Renaissance Festival /Fair twice in Conroe ,TX. . It’s located on about 80 acres . Lots to see and do and eat but twice was enough for me for a lifetime.

Posted by: polynikes at August 30, 2025 05:54 PM (EYmYM)

28 The 'Evergreen State Fair' (it isn't THE state fair, it's just a county fair that tried a marketing ploy...WA is 'the evergreen state') is in Monroe. The wife and I go every year but due to the really big Puyallup fair overlapping with Monroe, nobody really comes except locals. So it's a basic, county ag fair. No real vendors or booths to speak of.

But they have cows, dogs, cats, horses and we go and looks at them. Then eat some overpriced fair food and walk home. We're about a mile from the fairground.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at August 30, 2025 05:54 PM (xcxpd)

29 Oh and I avoid carnies and carny games...though carnie chicks can be hot. Lots of slutty girls at the fair, dunno why.

The full auto bb guns are a hoot for me, I like that.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at August 30, 2025 05:55 PM (xcxpd)

30 I had a carney Workers Comp claimant who was in an assisted living facility because he got brain damage after being stabbed with a tent stake.

Posted by: polynikes at August 30, 2025 05:57 PM (EYmYM)

31 This way to the egress.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at August 30, 2025 05:58 PM (63Dwl)

32 I'll have you know I've won multiple goldfish with my skill at chucking ping pong balls.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at August 30, 2025 05:58 PM (XvL8K)

33
I went to the Renaissance Festival /Fair twice in Conroe ,TX. . It’s located on about 80 acres . Lots to see and do and eat but twice was enough for me for a lifetime.
Posted by: polynikes at August 30, 2025 05:54 PM (EYmYM)

_________

We tried to go there a couple of times but the traffic was too miserable. Don't know if it's improved any. I'd like to see a falconry demonstration.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 30, 2025 05:59 PM (kkTda)

34 The Evergreen State Fair up in Monroe, WA used to do a Demolition Derby to beat the band. It was awesome fun. Much more so when I took my (then) little boys. Eyes wide, faces stuffed with fair food and incredulous that they were crashing as hard as they could ON PURPOSE!

I miss those days.

Posted by: nurse ratched at August 30, 2025 05:59 PM (mT+6a)

35 Haven't been to a county fair in some time. There's still one held here every year in late September...I think. They used to advertise the heck out of it, but I haven't seen any word of it.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at August 30, 2025 06:00 PM (CHHv1)

36 Fried cashews.

Some of the best peanut butter fudge.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at August 30, 2025 06:01 PM (zZu0s)

37 I actually made a business plan to open a carnival food type of restaurant. My business partners were in and then they were out.

I still think it would work. Kids would definitely demand their parents take them there as often as they could.

Posted by: polynikes at August 30, 2025 06:02 PM (EYmYM)

38
Steady on, there. I like funnel cake.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 30, 2025 06:02 PM (kkTda)

39 We use to go to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Fair a number of times.
As a kid went to the Pennsylvania State Fair in Bloomsburg

Posted by: Skip at August 30, 2025 06:03 PM (+qU29)

40 37 I actually made a business plan to open a carnival food type of restaurant. My business partners were in and then they were out.

I still think it would work. Kids would definitely demand their parents take them there as often as they could.
Posted by: polynikes at August 30, 2025 06:02 PM (EYmYM)

——-

We got something like that at our local mall.

Posted by: MAGA_Ken at August 30, 2025 06:07 PM (Du4mK)

41 For many many years the State Fair was not far from here at Central City Park but the city lost it because they are so dumb. The new venue 30 miles south is bigger, cleaner, and safer.

Posted by: fd at August 30, 2025 06:08 PM (vFG9F)

42 I’ve been cranking out a number of paintings lately. Currently doing a painting that was posted on aos of a guy surfing at sunset.

Posted by: polynikes at August 30, 2025 06:08 PM (EYmYM)

43
Alabama not doing well against FSU. Pity, that.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 30, 2025 06:09 PM (kkTda)

44 Sort of hobby adjacent for those who like to sketch and paint. We have a small gallery in town, a consortium of local artists who display and sell their paintings and give classes. Must work out as they have been there for years. There is real talent on display. I like to visit to see paintings up close and I've picked up a few prints and original watercolors.

A side benefit. One of the artists I especially enjoy, Rebekah Keener, does wonderful watercolors: colorful, imaginative, mostly realistic but with some whimsy and humor. In conversation I learned she had illustrated a couple of children's books which I found through Amazon: "Into the Woods for a Basket of Soup" and ":How the Fox Got His Socks" by Kimberly Andreadis. The stories are lovely, kids love them, and Keener's illustrations are delightful. If I hadn't gone to the gallery I wouldn't have learned about them.

Posted by: JTB at August 30, 2025 06:10 PM (yTvNw)

45 Looking up Pennsylvania, it doesn't have a state fair, ( maybe use to, but Bloomberg County fair is Sept 19 -27 2025

Posted by: Skip at August 30, 2025 06:11 PM (+qU29)

46 Since I made my business plan decades ago there are a lot of new Fair foods , mostly involving frying something that ain’t normally fried.

Posted by: polynikes at August 30, 2025 06:12 PM (EYmYM)

47 Bloomsburg stupid autocucumber

Posted by: Skip at August 30, 2025 06:12 PM (+qU29)

48 46 Since I made my business plan decades ago there are a lot of new Fair foods , mostly involving frying something that ain’t normally fried.

Posted by: polynikes at August 30, 2025 06:12 PM
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Are frozen bananas sold anywhere else?

Deep fried bananas is an entirely different thing.

Posted by: TRex - bananas are minion food at August 30, 2025 06:14 PM (IQ6Gq)

49
Looking up Pennsylvania, it doesn't have a state fair,

________

Thought there was a big expo center in Harrisburg.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 30, 2025 06:14 PM (kkTda)

50 Just got back from the 50th Anniversary theatrical release of Jaws, retrofitted to 3D. It was pretty darned good. The 3D effects were not overly in-your-face, but the color, clarity, etc. of the picture made it feel like seeing it for the first time. I noticed a few details that I've never noticed before, including what I think were minor flubs. Bought the souvenir drink cup.

Posted by: Lincolntf at August 30, 2025 06:15 PM (vV6n9)

51
It's the Pennsylvania Farm Show that's in Harrisburg, in January. Now that I'd like to see.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 30, 2025 06:17 PM (kkTda)

52 Are frozen bananas sold anywhere else?

Deep fried bananas is an entirely different thing.
Posted by: TRex - bananas are minion food at August 30, 2025 06:14 PM (IQ6Gq)

There was a place in the mall when I was a kid where you could get a frozen banana on a stick dipped in chocolate.

Posted by: polynikes at August 30, 2025 06:20 PM (EYmYM)

53 Posted by: Lincolntf at August 30, 2025 06:15 PM (vV6n9)

I probably would have spilled my drink and popcorn again when the head popped out of the hole in the sunken boat.

Posted by: polynikes at August 30, 2025 06:22 PM (EYmYM)

54
There was a place in the mall when I was a kid where you could get a frozen banana on a stick dipped in chocolate.
Posted by: polynikes

Banana Julius

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at August 30, 2025 06:22 PM (63Dwl)

55 Horde: Question while you're here. We're planning a visit to the NASA Houston space center. Looks like there are many options and requires a science degree to navigate.

Anyone have recent experience and recommendations?

Posted by: TRex - houston, we have a question at August 30, 2025 06:22 PM (IQ6Gq)

56 There was a place in the mall when I was a kid where you could get a frozen banana on a stick dipped in chocolate.
Posted by: polynikes

Can’t you still get those at Dairy Queen?

Posted by: nurse ratched at August 30, 2025 06:24 PM (mT+6a)

57 Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at August 30, 2025 06:22 PM (63Dwl)

Are you being serious because I think orange Julius was where I got it.

Posted by: polynikes at August 30, 2025 06:24 PM (EYmYM)

58 The Mrs is a master quilter.
She won 12 grand with this one in 2018
https://share.google/images/ZMO7A71wGqHDTEpzt

Posted by: Elrond Hubbard at August 30, 2025 06:25 PM (ekM0A)

59 The island has their fireman's carnivals July weekends. Took the kid and she loved the centripetal force ride and the fun slide. Worcester county has a fair as does Pokemoke City. Kid wasn't interested.
We did see a bald eagle that was perched on a duck blind in the marsh grass. She was excited for that.

Posted by: Accomack at August 30, 2025 06:25 PM (4qMiv)

60
Anyone have recent experience and recommendations?
Posted by: TRex - houston, we have a question at August 30, 2025 06:22 PM (IQ6Gq)

HM and I were there in January. It's a very worthwhile experience. Get the biggest tour package available.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 30, 2025 06:25 PM (kkTda)

61 Lived in Houston area since 1994 and never visited NASA. The closet I came was a few golf courses that were near. I should be ashamed though I never visited the Statue of Liberty when I lived in NYC either.

Posted by: polynikes at August 30, 2025 06:27 PM (EYmYM)

62 where you could get a frozen banana on a stick dipped in chocolate.
Posted by: polynikes

Can’t you still get those at Dairy Queen?
________
$20, same as in town.

Posted by: Elrond Hubbard at August 30, 2025 06:29 PM (ekM0A)

63 Posted by: Elrond Hubbard at August 30, 2025 06:25 PM (ekM0A)

Wow that is beautiful .

Posted by: polynikes at August 30, 2025 06:29 PM (EYmYM)

64 Sullivan County (NY) Fair
New York State Fair
California State Fair

All A+

Posted by: San Franpsycho at August 30, 2025 06:30 PM (RIvkX)

65 Took her 2 years to finish.

Posted by: Elrond Hubbard at August 30, 2025 06:31 PM (ekM0A)

66 Can’t you still get those at Dairy Queen?
Posted by: nurse ratched at August 30, 2025 06:24 PM (mT+6a)

The intertubes say Dairy Queen took it off the menu never to return.

Posted by: polynikes at August 30, 2025 06:32 PM (EYmYM)

67 58 ... "The Mrs is a master quilter.
She won 12 grand with this one in 2018
https://share.google/images/ZMO7A71wGqHDTEpzt"

Wow! That isn't just a quilt. That was painting with fabric. Thanks for the link.

Posted by: JTB at August 30, 2025 06:35 PM (yTvNw)

68 60 HM and I were there in January. It's a very worthwhile experience. Get the biggest tour package available.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 30, 2025 06:25 PM
***
The "biggest" seems to be a pair of VIP experiences at $200 each. Do you mean those or the general admission with all the tram and mission control tours available?

Posted by: TRex - small brain dino at August 30, 2025 06:35 PM (IQ6Gq)

69
Do you mean those or the general admission with all the tram and mission control tours available?
Posted by: TRex - small brain dino at August 30, 2025 06:35 PM (IQ6Gq)

_______

Sorry, yes, that.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 30, 2025 06:36 PM (kkTda)

70 58 The Mrs is a master quilter.
She won 12 grand with this one in 2018
https://share.google/images/ZMO7A71wGqHDTEpzt
Posted by: Elrond Hubbard

Holy cow! I’m sure the quilting is even more incredible. That is insane! Thank you for sharing. Is that piece hanging in your home? On a guest bed or was it sold?

Posted by: nurse ratched at August 30, 2025 06:37 PM (mT+6a)

71 My old gaffer has always been a crafty fellow. In the past decade or so he's focused on sculpting polymer clay and has had a few state fair winning display dolls in that medium.

Posted by: She Hobbit at August 30, 2025 06:37 PM (ftFVW)

72 My favorite at our county fair were the horse and mule pulls. The draft horses and mules were huge .

I also liked the county beauty contests . I dated two winners.

Posted by: Javems at August 30, 2025 06:38 PM (8I4hW)

73 When I was a little girl growing up in Dallas, we used to go to the TX State Fair.

I remember most the car show and the Mercury Cougar rowring on the big sign outside. And the wooden rollercoaster.

And the deep fried Twinkies.

Posted by: nurse ratched at August 30, 2025 06:39 PM (mT+6a)

74 I guess a "hobby" of mine is computer wargaming. Modern stuff, mostly. A favorite has been Command: Modern Operations. A RTS with a huge, mostly real database of planes, ships, subs and various land units.

It's not "graphically pretty." It's really more like your typical tactical display on any modern warship, sub or command bunker. Icons. No pretty graphics.

But it's got a military grade version only available to certain paying customers of significant political pull. And, it's not cheap to get into. Base game is $80 or so. With a lot of add-ons.

And an editor and scenario builder.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at August 30, 2025 06:45 PM (Q4IgG)

75 polynikes, I was waiting for that scene, and it was still jarring.

Posted by: Lincolntf at August 30, 2025 06:46 PM (vV6n9)

76 What a fun post. Spent 3 days working our county fair raising money for 2 different non profits. Took time yesterday to walk the livestock barns, love to visit the goats as well as checking out the quilts. The blue ribbon winning quilt was magnificent.
We had deep fried Oreos.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at August 30, 2025 06:48 PM (2NHgQ)

77
My hobby is telling me it's time for her dinner.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 30, 2025 06:48 PM (kkTda)

78 55 Horde: Question while you're here. We're planning a visit to the NASA Houston space center. Looks like there are many options and requires a science degree to navigate.

Anyone have recent experience and recommendations?
Posted by: TRex - houston, we have a question at August 30, 2025 06:22 PM (IQ6Gq)

The wife and I went about 10 years ago. It's a good tour, it doesn't require a degree. See everything you can, if there's electrical storms, the tours will be canceled.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at August 30, 2025 06:50 PM (xcxpd)

79 @73. nurse Ratched.

And Big Tex! He is the heart of the fair. If you get separated from your friends, meet up at Big Tex. Great times.

Posted by: Case at August 30, 2025 06:53 PM (iwlvf)

80 78 It's a good tour, it doesn't require a degree.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at August 30, 2025 06:50 PM
***
I'm not worried about needing a degree for the space stuff. The ticketing website for visiting options on the other hand...

Posted by: TRex - small brain dino at August 30, 2025 06:54 PM (IQ6Gq)

81 I don't fair. Even the MN State Fair, which is now. I do -

- shoot poorly
- game (boardgames, wargames and RPGs mostly, but some PC games)
- paint miniatures
- build models, sometimes my own designs
- noodle around writing wargame rules no one will ever play
- dog foster/pet rescue stuff

Luckily I was able to retire early. Got lucky.

Posted by: Dale at August 30, 2025 06:54 PM (LNklB)

82 I've helped park cars at the county fair for the past three years. This year the fair was held in early June instead of mid-August. Big mistake.

It poured down rain and turned the fields into a swamp. Several cars were stuck for the entire weekend.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 30, 2025 06:57 PM (IBQGV)

83 Haven't had much excess energy for hobbying lately (other than reading and weightlifting, do those count?). Do enjoy watching my nearly 12 yo littlest hobbit run through a number of hobbies this year:

- building airport for his little die cast plane collection, then cities to go with them
- modeling with paper, not really origami but similar
- making paper boy armies
- sculpting godzillas from foil (so, so many and godzilla adversary monsters)
- building a Fallout-style power armor costume with cardboard and duct tape

Posted by: She Hobbit at August 30, 2025 07:03 PM (ftFVW)

84 I did an amazing SOTA hike today up to Dutchman Peak in southern Oregon. There's an old cupola-style fire watch up there, and it's one of the few that is still manned. The USFS employee showed me around and let me use the old-school fire spotting and mapping device. He was cool about letting me set up my antenna; I'm not the first radio nerd who has used that location.

Posted by: PabloD at August 30, 2025 07:06 PM (TDkp3)

85 I just started messing around with Fallout again myself, she Hobbit.

According to steam, I put in about 820 hours, but after not playing it for about 5 years I think I have finally given it enough time.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at August 30, 2025 07:06 PM (zZu0s)

86 >>Horde: Question while you're here. We're planning a visit to the NASA Houston space center. Looks like there are many options and requires a science degree to navigate.

A number of years ago the company I was working for won a bid to do some work on the NASA crawlers at Kennedy in FL. The crawlers are the enormous vehicles that transport rockets from the hanger to the launch pad.

The NASA guy in charge of the project gave me a backstage tour of the complex. Extremely impressive and the scale of everything has to be seen to appreciated.

Posted by: JackStraw at August 30, 2025 07:06 PM (viF8m)

87 83
- modeling with paper, not really origami but similar

Posted by: She Hobbit at August 30, 2025 07:03 PM
***
I have origami and paper airplanes in a Hobby Thread queue somewhere...

Posted by: TRex - dino thumbs make folding difficult at August 30, 2025 07:07 PM (IQ6Gq)

88 Sprue Brothers is having an Overstock 25% off sale.

https://spruebrothers.com/

Posted by: Anna Puma at August 30, 2025 07:09 PM (SL2Gl)

89 Haven't played a military computer game in a very long time since lost the computer

Posted by: Skip at August 30, 2025 07:09 PM (+qU29)

90 The best thing about the San Juan County Fair in New Mexico where I used to live was the Navajo Tacos. We don't have fry bread in the Texas Panhandle.

Posted by: huerfano at August 30, 2025 07:09 PM (98kQX)

91 We used to go to the Lenawee County Fair, MI, mostly every year. Our son rode with the 4-H Therapuetic Horse program, and the kids had their own horse show, complete with Rosettes and trophies. The judges said these shows were the most difficult to judge because every rider was doing the best they could, and the judges wanted to award everyone with a First Place.
After the show all the participants got free ice cream cones, made from fresh milk and made there.
It was a highlight of every summer.

Posted by: TecumsehTea at August 30, 2025 07:11 PM (mZ/55)

92 82
It poured down rain and turned the fields into a swamp. Several cars were stuck for the entire weekend.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 30, 2025 06:57 PM
***
If only there was equipment nearby that might help pull them out. Like the type of agricultural equipment you might see on a farm...

Posted by: TRex - nothing runs like a deere at August 30, 2025 07:12 PM (IQ6Gq)

93 According to steam, I put in about 820 hours, but after not playing it for about 5 years I think I have finally given it enough time.
Posted by: Aetius451AD

I prefer not to look at my hours spent on games, hahaha. Lately, I have to run the little hobbits off my gaming PC, so I mostly don't. *sigh*

Posted by: She Hobbit at August 30, 2025 07:14 PM (ftFVW)

94 We recently went to the Western Idaho state fair (Eastern Idaho is ongoing on now, but we prolly won't make it). It was pretty fun. Spent much of the time in the livestock pavilions and watching the girls and their horses in the horsemanship competition. One thing we noted was just how well-mannered and modestly dressed all the rural kids were. No green hair, no weirdness. Just good kids with their parents.

Posted by: Mikey Alpha Kilo, Mellow for the Long Weekend at August 30, 2025 07:14 PM (0aYVJ)

95 1 Welcome Hobbiests
Posted by: Skip at August 30, 2025 05:30 PM (+qU29)
Tired eyes and brain read 'Welcome Hoboists.'.

Posted by: Eromero at August 30, 2025 07:15 PM (LHPAg)

96 I am not a milk drinker, but many years ago I went to the NYS fair in Syracuse. I was "encouraged" to try the milk samples there, so had some regular and some chocolate milk. If I could find milk that tasted like that everyday, I'd become a milk drinker!

Posted by: The Grateful at August 30, 2025 07:15 PM (IQ6Gq)

97 The best thing about the San Juan County Fair in New Mexico where I used to live was the Navajo Tacos. We don't have fry bread in the Texas Panhandle.
Posted by: huerfano

But you could, it's not difficult to make. Though it will stink up your whole house.

Posted by: She Hobbit at August 30, 2025 07:16 PM (ftFVW)

98 95 Tired eyes and brain read 'Welcome Hoboists.'.

Posted by: Eromero at August 30, 2025 07:15 PM
***
We covered oboists last week with the musical instrument theme.

Posted by: TRex - pitch perfect at August 30, 2025 07:17 PM (IQ6Gq)

99 One thing we noted was just how well-mannered and modestly dressed all the rural kids were. No green hair, no weirdness. Just good kids with their parents.
Posted by: Mikey Alpha Kilo, Mellow for the Long Weekend
**********
Totally agree. Polite, hard workers, and can entertain themselves quietly when there is down time. Gives one hope....

Posted by: The Grateful at August 30, 2025 07:17 PM (IQ6Gq)

100 I prefer not to look at my hours spent on games, hahaha. Lately, I have to run the little hobbits off my gaming PC, so I mostly don't. *sigh*
Posted by: She Hobbit at August 30, 2025 07:14 PM (ftFVW)

If you've done any molding, in you play 4 at all, I found one that automates settlement crap. It is kind of cool. I am also rediscovering how retarded the base survival mode is.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at August 30, 2025 07:18 PM (zZu0s)

101 I'm watching Red Sonja. All of the priest-women just went full sword-clanging fight against these knights that showed up.

I finished the current audio dramas for Vampire Hunter D. I do about one volume a week and they only produce about six a year, so I have caught up at vol 23. The Japanese author started in the 80s and has gotten past vol 45.

Next up is Savage Tales volume one, with is pretty terrific. Short stories with a Conan vibe. Every author has mentioned either RE Howard or Tolkien. The narrator does great voices.

Posted by: BourbonChicken at August 30, 2025 07:18 PM (lhenN)

102 Welcome Hobbiests
Posted by: Skip at August 30, 2025 05:30 PM (+qU29)
Tired eyes and brain read 'Welcome Hoboists.'.
Posted by: Eromero

Ha! I read it as hobbitses, but maybe that's just me.

Posted by: She Hobbit at August 30, 2025 07:18 PM (ftFVW)

103 Sidenote:

This nose ring theory video just seems like a truism.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at August 30, 2025 07:19 PM (zZu0s)

104
We lived in Tallahassee for 10 years. South Georgia was a short drive and they had great festivals. We always went to Swine Time and the Rattlesnake Roundup.

Such great memories for us and our children who are adults now.

Posted by: fourseasons at August 30, 2025 07:20 PM (3ek7K)

105 'Step right up! See Little Miss Egypt as she performs her tempting dance. The secrets of the Mystic Nile will be revealed on this stage before your very eyes. You must be eighteen or older to enter.'

Posted by: Eromero at August 30, 2025 07:20 PM (LHPAg)

106 Time to say thank you and good night before the next act takes the Ace of Spades stage. Thanks for being here and playing along. Thanks to the lurkers for reading (yes, I know you're out there).

See y'all in Club ONT later tonight.

Posted by: TRex - who is the fairest of them all? at August 30, 2025 07:20 PM (IQ6Gq)

107 OT:

FSU upsets Alabama.

LOL!!

Now back to your regularly scheduled topic.....

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at August 30, 2025 07:21 PM (n17eQ)

108 The county fair i went to growing up would always have tractor pulls. Out of field tractors on Friday night. Modified and super modified tractor pulls on Saturday. Multi-engine machines and even a couple with Allison aircraft engines. Great memories watching these.

Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at August 30, 2025 07:21 PM (GQZjM)

109 96 I am not a milk drinker, but many years ago I went to the NYS fair in Syracuse. I was "encouraged" to try the milk samples there, so had some regular and some chocolate milk. If I could find milk that tasted like that everyday, I'd become a milk drinker!
Posted by: The Grateful at August 30, 2025 07:15 PM (IQ6Gq)
Amish.

Posted by: Eromero at August 30, 2025 07:22 PM (LHPAg)

110 If you've done any molding, in you play 4 at all, I found one that automates settlement crap. It is kind of cool. I am also rediscovering how retarded the base survival mode is.
Posted by: Aetius451AD

That could be cool. I usually like to do a bit of settlement building to make a fancy lit area to display all my power armor. But otherwise it's rather tedious.

Posted by: She Hobbit at August 30, 2025 07:22 PM (ftFVW)

111 That could be cool. I usually like to do a bit of settlement building to make a fancy lit area to display all my power armor. But otherwise it's rather tedious.
Posted by: She Hobbit at August 30, 2025 07:22 PM (ftFVW)

SIM Settlements on Nexus.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at August 30, 2025 07:24 PM (zZu0s)

112 I grew up in Pennsylvania and did not realize it didn't have a state fair. Nearly every county has them though.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at August 30, 2025 07:24 PM (n17eQ)

113 OT:

FSU upsets Alabama.

LOL!!

Now back to your regularly scheduled topic.....

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at August 30, 2025 07:21 PM (n17eQ)

As a general proposition, I'm against smashing top team together until they've gotten a couple off games under their belts and can play at peak performance.

But...eh, it gets eyeballs on the TV stations.

So, that what happens.

Posted by: naturalfake at August 30, 2025 07:25 PM (iJfKG)

114 87 ... "I have origami and paper airplanes in a Hobby Thread queue somewhere..."

I got one of those self sealing cutting mats on sale. I've seen some tutorials on paper cutting to create designs. Reminded me chip carving and some filigree scroll saw patterns. Not origami but a paper art. And all it takes, besides talent and experience, is a cutting mat, straight edge and an Xacto knife.

Posted by: JTB at August 30, 2025 07:25 PM (yTvNw)

115 What a magnificent quilt, Elrond Hubbard. I can't imagine being able to imagine it, let alone make it.

Posted by: Wenda at August 30, 2025 07:26 PM (utsBX)

116 @ 83:

Great site for paper modelers:

https://www.papermodelers.com/forum/

Posted by: Dale at August 30, 2025 07:28 PM (LNklB)

117 One thing I remember from a fair when I was a kid was a tent show with a mad scientist Frankenstein type guy who did magic tricks and stuff and he had a monster that got loose and it freaked me and the crowd out but they got him under control and I survived, traumatizing as it was.

Posted by: fd at August 30, 2025 07:28 PM (vFG9F)

118 Do the Puyallup!

Posted by: Bea Arthur's Dick at August 30, 2025 07:30 PM (eYAt4)

119 117 One thing I remember from a fair when I was a kid was a tent show with a mad scientist Frankenstein type guy who did magic tricks and stuff and he had a monster that got loose and it freaked me and the crowd out but they got him under control and I survived, traumatizing as it was.
Posted by: fd at August 30, 2025 07:28 PM (vFG9F)
Was it like the girl turning into a gorilla in Diamonds are Forever? That was cool.

Posted by: Eromero at August 30, 2025 07:32 PM (LHPAg)

120 >>>>>>I grew up in Pennsylvania and did not realize it didn't have a state fair. Nearly every county has them though.
Posted by: Puddleglum
******
Some of the PA County fairs are huge, with top name rock or country-western artist in the evenings. Bloomsburg is good big fair. The Adams county apple harvest festival is great if you like anything with apples: pies, strudel, cider and especially hard cider.

Posted by: Cosda at August 30, 2025 07:32 PM (EUTn4)

121 How many Death Valley's are there? No friendly Hilltops?

Posted by: Accomack at August 30, 2025 07:33 PM (RBD82)

122 "Western Washington State Fair."

They changed the name to The Washington State Fair (not to be confused with The Evergreen State Fair in Monroe).

125 years this year.

Posted by: Bea Arthur's Dick at August 30, 2025 07:33 PM (eYAt4)

123 Carnies.

Small hands
Smell like cabbage.

Posted by: nurse ratched at August 30, 2025 07:35 PM (mT+6a)

124 My other hobby is fixing stuff around here, 2nd coat of spackle on ceiling patches for new fan/ light in bathroom.

Posted by: Skip at August 30, 2025 07:37 PM (+qU29)

125 We are going to an Asian Fair tomorrow.

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at August 30, 2025 07:37 PM (dE3DB)

126 116 Great site for paper modelers:

https://www.papermodelers.com/forum/

Posted by: Dale at August 30, 2025 07:28 PM
***
Thank you. Had not seen that before.

Posted by: TRex - rock, paper, scissors at August 30, 2025 07:39 PM (IQ6Gq)

127 "Was it like the girl turning into a gorilla in Diamonds are Forever? That was cool.
Posted by: Eromero"

They don't make sideshows like they used to. Nowadays the freaks are just walking around showing off for free.

Posted by: fd at August 30, 2025 07:40 PM (vFG9F)

128 If you're on the East Coast, the Big E in Western MA is good. North of Boston, the Topsfield Fair is always fun.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at August 30, 2025 07:41 PM (Wnv9h)

129 Congrats to The Big Dummy, Hadrian!

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at August 30, 2025 07:41 PM (6U1c2)

130 WE HAZ A MOVIE MARQUE

Posted by: Skip at August 30, 2025 07:42 PM (+qU29)

131 Carnies.

Small hands
Smell like cabbage.
Posted by: nurse ratched at August 30, 2025 07:35 PM

Oh, behave....

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at August 30, 2025 07:42 PM (Wnv9h)

132 >>If you're on the East Coast, the Big E in Western MA is good. North of Boston, the Topsfield Fair is always fun.

The Marshfield Fair was last week.

Posted by: JackStraw at August 30, 2025 07:44 PM (viF8m)

133 The Marshfield Fair was last week.
Posted by: JackStraw at August 30, 2025 07:44 PM

It is that time of year. I look forward to autumn.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at August 30, 2025 07:45 PM (Wnv9h)

134 Carny games:

I was good at knocking the 3 milk bottles off their stand with a baseball.

Won a few cute little raccoon stuffed toys & was going for *one of each color* until the carny guy tells me "girl, you got so many you gotta trade UP now" for the bigger, not-as-cute raccoon stuffies.

Nope. I took my lil cuties and left.

Posted by: JQ at August 30, 2025 07:48 PM (rdVOm)

135 The State Fair in Syracuse was great. Dairy barn with cold white, chocolate or strawberry milk on tap for a nickel.
Now, I love to see the sincere farm kids with their show animal. Sometimes, I think we will be ok. Well, not us, we'll be dead, but America.

Posted by: PTSD giver at August 30, 2025 08:51 PM (P2P7f)

136 Won a blue ribbon at the Lane County fair this year for my rye bread.

Posted by: Frankie at August 30, 2025 08:59 PM (nCoED)

137 Won a blue ribbon at the Lane County fair this year for my rye bread.
Posted by: Frankie
*************
Congrats! I would be so excited!

Posted by: The Grateful at August 30, 2025 09:39 PM (IQ6Gq)

138 Nic update.

Posted by: ShainS -- DogEater Used Killary's RussiaGate to Hide His Own SpyGate at August 31, 2025 12:27 AM (P3Tz/)

139 I go to about a dozen county fairs each year, and if traveling stop at any I see in random places. Going to one in Wauseon Ohio today(regarded as THE best Fair in Ohio) Each year i set out to try EVERY Italian sausage stand, figure out which is best, but by the next year I cannot remember which stand it was ....and have to try them all again. I don't play midway games, but visit every livestock barn, chat with the Grampa's and some of the kids. People watching at any fair is "Interesting", such a collection of folks. This year I'm going to a fair nearly every weekend, I'm actually shopping for Goats, and Goat wisdom, the plan is to buy enough to rent them out for targeted grazing, invasive species control, wildfire suppression, stream bank and treeline remediation...and income. I like the classic tractors, equipt, as well as the new displays. There is always a pony ride stand, and every time I walk by it I see some goggle eyed kid want to have a "1st Ride", ask the parents If I can buy them a ticket. I prolly buy 3-4 at every fair. The last fair I went to had two things I had never seen before, a stingray tank where you could feed and pet them, and a trained seal show/photo booth.

Posted by: birddog at August 31, 2025 01:11 PM (s5LY2)

140 Ooops..change of plans, checked the schedule, goat show/judging is tomorrow, Trace Atkins is the concert then as well.(Brett Michael tonite) I'll go tomorrow. PLUS the mini-horse/donkey pull is tomorrow.

Posted by: birddog at August 31, 2025 01:20 PM (s5LY2)

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