The hubby and I took a little road trip to Sedalia, home of the Missouri State Fair on opening day, Aug. 13. It was a bright, sunny, and HOT day.
We only go to the fair about every 5 years or so and most likely wouldn't have gone this year except I had read where there was going to be an interesting exhibit that I wanted to see.
We also got to see several of the beautiful Clydesdales. They had the cleanest stalls and each one had their own fan hanging above to keep them cool.
There were decorated cakes galore in the 4-H building.
Beautiful quilts. This one got the first place, best of show ribbon.
A beautiful owl was part of the exhibit I wanted to see. Did you know an owl can hear a snake slithering on the ground many feet away? Or that they can hear their prey through a foot or more of snow?
And here is what I walked miles (it seemed) in the heat and humidity to see...
Isn't she beautiful?
I love bald eagles and it's a thrill to know that we have a few nesting not far from us near a lake. I was so glad to get this chance to see one up close. This eagle is 26 years old and I learned that they can live to around 50 years of age in captivity. Their wing span is about 8 feet from tip to tip. And they can grip up to 2000 pounds! I can see why their prey doesn't stand a chance when those talons dig in!
It was a fun day trip in spite of the heat. We, of course, had the wonderful fresh lemonade that is for sale everywhere you turn. Food stands offer everything from cotton candy to corn dogs to homemade ice cream. We had to partake of the latter and it was so good! We found a shady spot to sit and enjoyed people-watching as we ate our ice cream. A good day at the fair was had, but as we left for home, we were glad to be inside a car with nice, cool air!
Happy Monday to you!
xo Cheryl
*I corrected the date. It should be Aug. 13, not Sept.b 13. I was getting ahead of myself!
What a fun day out and soo much to see. Your images of the Bald Eagle are fabulous and was really special to see. Must have been wonderful to see it so close.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun day trip . . . What a thrill it must be to see a Bald Eagle close up like that!
ReplyDeleteHandsome indeed . . .
Cheryl, you did a tremendous job photographing that eagle. Such a magnificent bird. Glad you got to go see it and then share it with us. Have a great week. Hugs, Latane
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures, Cheryl! The eagle is wonderful, amazing. We went on the cooler days the second week and stayed with CH's brother who lives in Sedalia. We couldn't stay out of Good Time Charlie's and away from his pulled pork sandwiches and homemade chips!
ReplyDeleteWow! That eagle is AMAZING! It's not everyday one gets to see these awesome creatures up close and personal! The owl too! What a fun day trip this must have been...amazing photos too. Happy Monday to you!
ReplyDeletemama eagle is so beautiful. ice cream and people watching OH MY i do love to do that. also the clydesdale is wonderful. what a great day, i would have loved it
ReplyDeleteBEAUTIFUL! I am glad you got to see this regal bird up close. I think they are majestic.
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos of the bald eagle and the owl too. Amazing to think of a bird holding 2000 pounds. Looks like a fun day despite the heat.
ReplyDeleteI always love taking my camera to the fair but you really hit the jackpot with all those fabulous eagle shots!
ReplyDeleteI always love taking my camera to the fair but you really hit the jackpot with all those fabulous eagle shots!
ReplyDeleteWe were at the State Fair on Friday, August 14th. We saw the Clydesdales too. What beautiful horses!! So glad you had a great time! Blessings my friend!
ReplyDeleteSo glad that your walk through the heat and humidity was well-rewarded!! A bald eagle is an amazing bird; we occasionally see them in our area and it's always a thrill!
ReplyDeleteWow...those beautiful cakes...and quilts!! Lots to see at a fair!
Hi Cheryl~
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun time of year! I love all the pictures, especially of that Bald Eagle . . . what a magnificent bird! That quilt was amazing too, can you just imagine all the work put into it?
I love the state fair, our is coming up soon, and it's only about 25 miles away! We used to live in the same city as the fair, and I worked for the Public Defender, and that was a crazy time for me!!
Thanks for sharing!
Hugs,
Barb
I am so glad you two finally took a break and just enjoyed. Love Clydesdales, they are awesome. I always wanted one till I learned how much they eat.
ReplyDeleteLucky you seeing a Bald Eagle up close. I have only seen pictures, never an actual bird. They are amazing and I was glad to hear they have such long lifespans.
I would walk miles and miles for THAT! Oh, I bet that was fun...you got some wonderful shots.
ReplyDeleteI bet you meant August not September! Looks like a fun time at the fair, our state fair starts this week but it is at least a four hour drive through lots of traffic, so we won't be going. Great up close shots of the Bald Eagle...they are real meanies up here:(
ReplyDeleteThank you for the beautiful pictures from your big day at the Fair. How fun. Makes me wish that I had been there too! I loved all the pictures from the Rooster at the beginning to the beautiful Clydesdales and the owl and Eagle. Thanks for thinking of us with your lovely pics.
ReplyDeleteSounds like such a fun day and I'm glad you chose to share the fun with us. The Bald Eagle is absolutely gorgeous!! Stunning!!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy going through the buildings to see all of the arts and crafts.....Haven't ever seen cakes on display, but sure makes for some creative entries. Looks like the heat didn't spoil your fun..
It's fun to go to a fair now and then but it's been a while for me. The eagle is beautiful and a treat to see up close. Our fall fair will be here after the long weekend. Summer has flown by hasn't it? Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteHaven't been to a state fair in a long time. I used to love our county fair when I was growing up. That eagle is a real beauty. xo Laura
ReplyDeleteAmazing information. 50 years of age...That's nearly as long as human lifespan
ReplyDeleteAmazing information. 50 years of age...That's nearly as long as human lifespan
ReplyDeleteState fairs are so much fun. I went to the Wisconsin one (I live in IL, but near the border of WI) a few years ago. Those are fantastic pictures of the eagle! I've never seen one up close like that. Those talons are amazing, aren't they?
ReplyDeletewhat fun you had! a lot of my favorite things to do all in one day. :) great pics!
ReplyDeletehope you have a great week!
Marie
Thanks for sharing your day at the fair. We have a fair here that is only about one block away. We don't get to go to it because of travel or grandchildren games. It's a small fair; but I would love to make it there sometime. We are so close that people park in front of our house and neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteLoved your photos and especially the balk Eagle ones. They are magnificent birds. We loved to watch them when we would boat down the Spokane River years ago. It's hard to imagine a wing span of 8 ft.
Happy that you had a great day trip!
Sending hugs your way~
Well shoot! In my mind I already commented on this post, but apparently, the comment did not leave my addled mind to make it to the keyboard. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of the eagle, and I would have walked miles in the heat to see her too- AWESOME!