Many of us who have participated in county fairs, here in Skagit County or in other locations, have fond memories of those times.

While on vacation a couple weeks ago, I got to visit my hometown’s county fair with my husband and children. Walking through the grounds, I could still vividly picture things that happened in certain spots some 15 to 20 years ago.

Washing my lamb, “Lamb Chops” came to mind when I heard the distinct bleating sounds. Lamb Chops was a bummer lamb I raised on a bottle — he would follow me anywhere and I still remember crying after the livestock auction because he wasn’t coming back home with me.

Walking through the grounds also reminded me of early mornings spent cleaning stalls to make them presentable for fair visitors, showing in 100-plus degree weather while trying not to get any type of animal slobber on my FFA jacket and answering questions posed by “city-folks.”

My family walked through every barn and even participated in the diaper derby with my 12-month-old daughter taking third place and the stick horse race with my 3-year-old claiming first place.

The gal running the event turned out to be an old classmate of mine. That’s another great thing about county fairs — they allow us to connect with neighbors and friends.

Even though it’s been 13 years since I last attended the fair, it was amazing to see all of the familiar faces. Walking around, I got to visit with people I wouldn’t have otherwise connected with during our week-long stay.

I ran into one of my classmates who is now an FFA adviser. He was busily herding students back and forth between their stalls and the show ring.

He took a few seconds to say hello and was surprised to hear I was using a vacation day to spend at the fair.

I told him the day was the most fun we’d had all week and he acted surprised. I asked him where else but the fair can you find something for everyone?

Make some time to create your own traditions this week — you won’t regret it.