Loudoun County Fair 2008

The well attended Loudoun County Fair ended on Saturday after an incredibly hot week. The layout pretty much followed the previous year but fun was had by all. Where else in Loudoun can you eat fried cheesecake and mingle with livestock?






















This goat has blazing blue eyes that were overshadowed only by his unique voice. He had a unique mix of snorts and vocal utterances that gave him human-like appeal. I give him first place for coolness.

















This was my first rodeo and I must say that it exceeded my expectations. Sure it looks dangerous on TV, but seeing it in person puts it into perspective. The bulls aren't small, trained or cute. Intermission featured young children riding sheep, what a hoot!
















Many of the same rides were featured this year. Organizers, I think we need to mix it up a bit.






















This tiny woman wrangled a sheep into submission and had it sheered in about 90 seconds. Most of the wool came off in one piece. The newly shaved sheep appeared about half it's size when done.






















I always get a kick out of the posters children make for thier show animals (I've featured several over the years). They demonstrate the pride taken in raising their livestock. A select few are rewarded with county ribbons.

Loudoun County Fair in full swing

The fair scenes in Loudoun and Clarke counties are always the genuine article. They are generally not too commercial while revealing rural lifestyles in a public way. While struggling to retain it's historic identity, the Loudoun fairgrounds were encircled by land moving machines seen atop nearby hills.














I'm not sure if this chick won a prize or not.






















This chick holds all the prizes. She was kind enough to pose for the camera.















My favorite event. This is before....















....and this is after. Some might think this is a photo of the parking lot at Reston Town Center. The smash-up derby here is likely a safer place.






















Which one is not like the others? The baby goats were adorable.

Great weekend at the Bluemont Fair

Thanks to the community for their support this weekend at the Bluemont Fair. This by far was the best experience I've had at an event like this. Not only did I have record sales, but also terrific feedback from the community and offers to shoot on local farms. Thanks a ton to the kind folks of Loudoun County!