September 22, 2012
I guess the only way to say it is that we went whole hog. Another way to say it is that we love the Peru Fair and that it is our favorite fair in Vermont hands down. We headed out early (which is getting increasingly difficult to do) in order not to miss the parade. They were running shuttle buses from Bolton Mountain. It had been a long time and a lot of pounds since we had been on a school bus. The seats are designed for three and Anne and I managed to squeeze two of us into the seat with just a bit of overlap into the aisle. We arrived in a few minutes in Peru and by clinching our butt muscles in unison, we exerted sufficient upward pressure to pop us both out of the seat and into the aisle. It was kinda like an airbag releasing and filling the available empty spaces nearby.
We threw our money on the table and headed inside the gates. One of the first sights was an artistic rendering of a pig. Not only was this to be a day of fun ... it was also to be a day filled culture and high-class art work to be savored.
In fifteen minutes, we had strolled only a short distance and Anne had already connected on a scarf that she wanted. Yes, it was a cool scarf. Yes, I liked it equally well. But, it was not in line with our policy of fixed income retirement non-spending. I say "our" but I mean "my". Maybe policy is not correct ... guideline might be better ... or figment of my imagination. First purchase and the parade had barely started.
Small town parades. A plethora of old cars and fire engines with a few baton twirlers thrown in. The Peru Fair parade started with a bagpiper ... followed by an alpaca ... and then a lady in a wagon waving a toilet plunger like a royal scepter. In the time it took to pay for the scarf, the remainder of the parade passed us by while our heads were turned and the crowd filled the void.
Sometimes being at a fair is like going to a flea market. People blunt, and to the point ... direct and purposeful ... the intent of communication is to make a sale ... at all costs ... whatever it takes. Not the Peru Fair. People seem to be having fun. They talk with you, not at you. It's more like friends getting together.
And when people get together ... they eat! The food at the Peru Fair is exceptional. Not hot dogs ... not pretzels ... not fried dough! There was lobster bisque ... and corn chowder ... and quail kabobs ... and homemade ice cream. And the stars of the show ...........
Roasted Corn on the Cob ...
Argentine Beef with Chimichurri Sauce on a Crusty Bun ...
And the star of the show .... roast pig!
Along with the great food, is the entertainment. It is local at its best. Where the talent fell a bit short, the difference was made up for with exuberance and the sight of people genuinely having fun performing. The fair organizers made sure that every corner of the fair was saturated with good music.
The cloggers kicked up their heels! 
What's not to love about the Peru Fair!
But, the day wasn't over. From the fair, we drove to Hapgood Pond to take a short hike. The park was closed as we expected, but we were surprised to find the trail closed as well. Seems Irene had washed out the bridge over Flood Brook. We decided we hike anyway ... I was sure we would find a way to cross the stream. The hike turned out to be just the ticket after strolling the fair.
I love the colors and the look of autumn in New England.
Wonderful day!
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