Thursday, September 10, 1998

Fair promises fun, rainfall, summer's end

The only thing that kept some old timers around here going through the summer's heat and drought was knowing the West Texas Fair & Rodeo was just over the horizon.

Now it's on the doorstep.

Newcomers to Abilene might not understand the full power of this annual event, but seasoned veterans know rain goes with the Fair like mustard goes with foot-long hot dogs. We don't know how or why; we just know from the pattern repeated over and over from year to year that you can count on rain sometime while the Fair's in town. We always look forward to it.

And despite what the calendar says about the date when summer begins (Sept. 23, for the curious), we in West Texas also know fall has arrived when the Fair opens its gates. That happens officially Friday. But everyone who's familiar with these things knows Friday's "official" opening means tonight is Sneak-A-Peek night. From 6-11 p.m., admission is free, and arm bands can be purchased for $10 for unlimited rides at the carnival.

The Fair is a Big Country tradition for some, without which a major signpost of the year would be missing. For others, it's a way of life, the high point of the year, the time to display the results of months of effort, whether that's making quilts or raising livestock.

For most of us, it's just fun, family fun, fun to share. In fact, that's the theme of this year's West Texas Fair & Rodeo, "Share the Fun."

After all these years, the Fair still retains its aura of excitement - the dazzling lights and carnival rides, the hot dogs and cotton candy and hamburgers, the stock shows and the rodeo action, the live music shows.

No matter how many times you've been before, and especially if you've never been, you owe it to yourself to take in the Fair at least once while it's here. Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for students. Check the skies for thunderheads, and keep your umbrella handy.