Fair Weather

“Come on, slugger,” said Grandpa. “Let’s get you some cowboy boots. You’ll need them if we’re going to the Fair.”

Eric was visiting his grandparents during the summer; they lived where there were plenty of cowboys. He was very excited because he’d never been to the Fair before.

Grandpa and Eric went to the cowboy store; that’s not the name, but it’s what Eric called it. He had to have the perfect pair of boots.

Shelves of cowboy boots

Eric had never seen so many boots in one place. They were all lined up, different colors and styles tempting him. Then, he saw them — the perfect boots.

“Those are the ones I want!” Eric said excitedly. “Can I get those, Grandpa?”

Eric’s new boots

“Absolutely. Those are perfect!” Grandpa couldn’t believe how easy it was to pick out the best pair.

That night, Eric couldn’t sleep; they were going to the Fair the next day. He was so excited! He wondered what it would be like. Thoughts of the stories of the Fair Grandpa had told him kept him awake.

Eric was wide awake thinking about the Fair

Finally, it was morning. Eric jumped out of bed, got dressed, and hurried down to the kitchen.

Eric was ready for the Fair

“You look like a real cowboy,” said Grandpa as they ate their breakfast.

“I especially love those boots,” Grandma said, as she put Eric’s cereal in front of him.

Grandpa whispered to Eric, “It might be a good idea to take off your hat inside the house; it’s only polite.”

Eric removed his hat and hurriedly finished breakfast.

Before long, they were off to the Fair.

The first thing Eric saw as they approached the Fair was a big cowboy statue. It seemed like it went for miles up in the air.

Big Tex statue

Eric had never been to a fair, let alone one as big as this one. There was so much to see!

There were booths with food spread out in front of them as Grandpa and Eric entered the fair.

Food booths at the Fair

“What’s that?” asked Eric as they passed one interesting-looking food stall.

“Those are fried cookies,” Grandpa said, motioning to the stall owner that they wanted some.

Fried cookies

“There are also fried pickles and fried oranges.”

Fried pickles

There was so much food, Eric couldn’t believe it.

Grandpa said, “Before you get stuffed with cookies, let’s go check out the rest of the Fair. There’s a lot to see.”

Eric and Grandpa made their way through the Fair. They went into a big tent to watch cowboys and cowgirls on horseback racing around barrels.

Barrel racing

They went on rides; Eric had never been on a Ferris wheel before, so it was exciting.

Grandpa and Eric on the Ferris wheel

“Remember to put on your seatbelt,” said Grandpa. They needed to stay safe.

Eric could see the whole Fair from the top of the wheel. There was still so much to see.

Grandpa and Eric went from sight to sight, trying the different foods, riding different amusements, and watching demonstrations of horsemanship. There was even a petting zoo, where Eric got to talk to a lamb!

Eric talking to a lamb

By the end of the day, Eric was exhausted. He had eaten his way through the Fair and had the time of his life.

“Are you ready to go home, my boy?” asked Grandpa.

Eric nodded his head. He was so tired. Grandpa picked him up and they went to the car.

Grandpa carried Eric out of the Fair

Eric slept and slept. He slept through the car ride. He didn’t even wake up when Grandma took off his cowboy clothes and put on his jammies.

Eric slept and slept

The whole time, he dreamed of riding horses, barrel racing, and the other sights he saw at the Fair.

Grandpa and Grandma looked lovingly at Eric as he slept.

“Good night, slugger,” said Grandpa. “I love you.”

NOTE: All images were created by the author using Midjourney on Discord.

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© 2025 Laurie Leiker

Grandma Laurie