Living on the Jersey Shore does have one draw-back when it comes to big storms coming up the Atlantic Coast we have our share of them. Looks like Irene will definitely be visiting our little town. We have prepared as best we can...outdoor furniture put away, batteries for flash lights bought, extra containers of water...yup, we are prepared. So, what do we do on the night before...well, if you live in Fair Haven, you go to the Fireman's Fair!
For the last 21 years we have come here to celebrate the end of summer. It is a wonderful time to enjoy a delicious seafood meal...there is a fantastic restaurant under a tent and I am a little embarrassed to say that I ate my scallops before I remembered to take a picture...they were that good.
Under an ominous sky we saw neighbors and friends who we haven't seen in months. We saw children who we knew from the time they were in elementary school all grown up...some with children of their own!
The kids were mesmerized by the rides, the games, the prizes and the lights.
For me, it is always the ferris wheel...it just holds its own kind of magic.
So, I don't know how this glitzy bit of happiness will make out through the hurricane coming our way but I am so glad to have had this night to party with those who are in the same boat.
Because in the end, the fair is about all of the above, the community and the volunteers who put so many hours into making so many happy memories every year. We have spent the day Planning for the worst and hoping for the best...seems to be Irene's catch phrase. I am hoping to remember the fair of 2011 and the hurricane that wasn't that big a deal. Hope to have that update, maybe with pictures.
Linking this post to How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday, Smiling Sally for Blue Monday, and Little Red House for Mosaic Monday.
♥, Susan
Awww, I miss being the cotton candy girl! I also very much miss the Fireman's Fair.
I can't wait to FINALLY after four years be able to go next year!!
Such great photos and I'm happy you got to go before hurricane Irene swept through. Hope the basement doesn't flood too much, either...
Love you!
Posted by: Jenna Ericson | August 26, 2011 at 07:46 PM
Beautiful post..probably my favorite so far!! Love it! I was just telling my husband I wish we would have fair here. It would so fun to load up and take the family to. I hope yall are safe and sound and nothing harmful comes your way!!
-april
Posted by: April | August 26, 2011 at 11:37 PM
A fun post, Susan with everything under the rainbow.
I wish for your safety and the storm will soon pass.
Posted by: Wandering Thought | August 27, 2011 at 03:15 AM
I hope you and yours stay safe from Irene's wrath!
Posted by: pat | August 27, 2011 at 06:31 AM
Love all your photos, Susan. Hope the storm passes quickly and without a lot of damage. I'll be following it on the news.
Posted by: Cathy at Wives with Knives | August 27, 2011 at 07:39 AM
Oh, the fair looks like so much fun! I love events that bring the community together. We will be having our town's celebration in two weeks, and I can't wait!
I would love for you to join me for my linky party, as well. Just click the button in the sidebar for Time Travel Thursday to be directed to the party.
Stay safe!
Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage | August 27, 2011 at 08:25 AM
I hope you and your family are in a safe place with Hurricane Irene knowing not where she is going. Be safe and God Bless. Your in my thoughts and prayers, along with all on the east coast.
~Emily
The French Hutch
Posted by: Emily | August 27, 2011 at 10:36 AM
Good luck, Susan!
Posted by: Barbara | August 27, 2011 at 01:33 PM
Hang in there, my friend! Irene looks to be a doozy esp. for you all. It is currently blowing the trees to bits here! Still have power at 5:00! Stay safe!~~~XXOO, Beth
Posted by: Elizabeth Holcombe | August 27, 2011 at 01:52 PM
Loved these photos Susan!
Looking forward to hearing how you are!
Posted by: Pat@Back Porch Musings | August 28, 2011 at 05:50 PM
We were happy to see Irene go! We were lucky, by the time she reached us she was downgraded to a tropical storm! Hope you made out alright!
Posted by: Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes | August 28, 2011 at 06:39 PM
Thanks for sharing your trip to the fair. I have not been to one in years. Not what it use to be around here.
Hope you are safe and did not have any major damage from the storms.
Posted by: Glenda/MidSouth | August 28, 2011 at 06:40 PM
I love fairs. Love to watch the kids faces as they watch the rides and eat cotton candy! Joy! Hope you are safe and dry!
Posted by: Snap | August 28, 2011 at 06:46 PM
That must be fun, a fair. LOvely. Love your photo's
Posted by: Riet | August 28, 2011 at 07:10 PM
Looks like a great celebration. I do hope you come through Irene safe and sound.
Posted by: Bernieh | August 28, 2011 at 07:23 PM
Wonderful images. The play area is very nice.
Posted by: Rajesh | August 28, 2011 at 08:30 PM
I love the fair photos, especially the cotton candy. I always loved that sweet stuff. Your photos are great and going to the fair and seeing friends that you don't see often is a true blessing.
I trust the storm was not as bad as predicted. I hope you came through it alright. Irene sure stirred up the news networks but being prepared is so important.
Blessings,
Jeanne
Posted by: jeanne | August 28, 2011 at 08:37 PM
Thanks for sharing! Stay safe!
Have a nice week,
Markus
Posted by: Markus | August 28, 2011 at 09:09 PM
You have clearly been busy creating these cheerful mosaics. Be safe.
Posted by: My Little Home and Garden | August 28, 2011 at 09:19 PM
I hope that you weathered the storm well. What a fun time you had at the fair.
Posted by: Lorrie | August 28, 2011 at 09:47 PM
Sometimes taking time to enjoy something like a town Fair can help to take your mind off of the situation. Even if it's just for a moment. Hopefully, it will not be too bad. Been praying for all of you on the East Coast. It's always a blessing to see friends and neighbors.
Posted by: Jann Olson | August 28, 2011 at 10:03 PM
I hope that you and yours have come through this unscathed. Your description of the fair is wonderful - makes me eager for the fall fairs to start up here too.
Posted by: Pondside | August 28, 2011 at 10:14 PM
It seem like such a wonderful place to visit each year.
I hope Irene is gentle and that all is well.
Posted by: One | August 28, 2011 at 11:47 PM
Wonderful pictures!!! Hope all is well with you and your neighbors! May God Bless you!!!
Posted by: Cathy | August 29, 2011 at 04:19 AM
Mmm, now I want some cotton candy.
Happy Blue Monday, Susan.
Posted by: Sally | August 29, 2011 at 06:19 AM
Looks like a fun time. I hope every one came through the storm safely.
Happy Blue Monday.
Posted by: Iris aka Boo-bah | August 29, 2011 at 06:36 AM
I hope you've made it through unscathed!!! You got me with the cotton candy...I've always been such a fan of cotton candy!!!!
Have a great week...keeping you in my prayers!!!
Posted by: Becky | August 29, 2011 at 10:08 AM
I love fairs and my Daddy was a firemen when I was growing up so that was a big part of my life! I hope you are doing OK after the storm! Take care! ♥
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | August 29, 2011 at 02:32 PM
Love those mosaics. Hope the storms passes you by..Happy Blue Monday ;)
Posted by: Joy | August 29, 2011 at 04:03 PM
Love cotton candies!
Posted by: Kim, USA | August 29, 2011 at 05:41 PM
looks like fun and you made me feel like going too!! Hope all is well with you afer the storm! Has it passed yet?
Veronica
Posted by: Veronica | August 30, 2011 at 01:54 AM
Glad you had fun before the typhoon!
Lovely blues!
Late visiting for BM, here's my Blue post. Have a great day!
Posted by: chubskulit | August 30, 2011 at 08:26 AM