What's Your Favorite State Fair Memory?

We are loading up the trailer with cattle in tow, and we're headed to the 2009 South Dakota State Fair. On display this year at NOLZ Limousin are two bred heifers, one yearling bull and two bull prospects. We will keep busy throughout the remainder of the week showing in the Open Limousin Show, Limousin Jr. Special, 4-H and FFA. State Fair season is my favorite time of year. I have been going to fairs since I was a baby, and there are certain memories that a kid holds special including: Camping with all of my relatives, Indian Tacos on Junk Food Alley, showing my Limousin cattle, water fights, carnival rides, 4-H dances, belt buckles and purple ribbons, early morning chores, late nights catching up with friends, the smell of wood chips and Kleen Sheen, livestock judging contests, taking naps on the show box, and the list could go on and on...

I'm sure most of you have been to a state fair a time or two, and today, I want to hear all about YOUR favorite memories at the fair. Did you show livestock? Did you come for the rides? Did you attend a concert or listen to a speaker? Did you eat tons of junk food? Did you camp? Did you win a show, or earn a purple ribbon? I want to hear all about it; don't skimp on the details!

Finally, I have a challenge for the local readers out there! Since Thursday is the only day at the fair that my family won't be busy showing, I have a challenge for the BEEF Daily readers in the area. I will be at our stall in the Open Class Beef Barn on Thursday, watching our show string, and I hope you'll stop by and visit. I apologize to those that are too far away to participate, but the first five people to introduce themselves to me and say they read BEEF Daily will receive a prize package, courtesy of yours truly. I can't wait to meet some of you at the fair! Now, what's your favorite state fair memory?

BEEF Daily Quick Fact: Other products besides beef are made from the beef carcass. Leather, made from the hide, is used to make a variety of items, from clothing to basketballs. Eight pairs of cowboy boots can be made from one cowhide.