Mom's California Visit, Part 1: Alameda County Fair

My sister has lived in Idaho for nearly a decade, but she was able to keep the job she had here in California when she moved out of state. While Kari can work from home for 10 months of the year, she needs to be in person from mid-May to mid-July. Her job is about 50 miles from where I live, so I'm usually able to see her (and my niece, Allison, who travels with her) a few times while they're here. When I was visiting Idaho last December, Kari and I planned a trip for our mom to come to California in June while Kari was here. That trip just happened and I'm eager to tell you about the fun that we had!

On Thursday, June 18 my brother-in-law (Brian) and my mom flew from Boise to Oakland. They spent a few days with Kari and Allison before Brian returned home and my mom went to stay with friends in my hometown of Livermore, where she lived for almost 50 years. She had a really nice time. 

My portion of the trip started on Wednesday, June 24. Trevor and I met up with Mom, Kari, and Allison at the Alameda County Fair. 

We spent the day looking at exhibits, eating fair food, and finding all the things that have changed since last year.

This is new: Mom sponsored the Dave Jones Memorial Award for Woodworking, in honor of my dad who was an avid woodworker. 

She also sponsored an award for food preservation. Mom is an avid gardener and preserved a lot of food when they still lived in California and had tons of fruit trees.  

Speaking of fruit, this pineapple slushie came in a hollowed-out pineapple. I love fair food. 

One of the highlights of the day for me was meeting up with Ina Fried. I was 16, Ina was 14, and Kari was 13 when we met on a cruise. Kari and Ina have seen each a few times and I've stayed connected via Facebook, but this is the first time I've seen Ina in person in 38 years!

Off to the Hobby building! I love seeing people's collections on display. 

The fair has a new 9/11 Memorial exhibit this year. It's beautifully done. 

Also new was this big screen, one of four designated area for soccer watch parties. 

Another fun addition: painted pianos. I wasn't sure how many there were - turns out I spotted four out of five. What a fun idea! I've never seen this giant goat before either. When given the opportunity, always pose for a picture with a goat or GOAT.

  

I didn't make them pose with the rooster. 

I love seeing the cut flowers...

... almost as much as I like the garden displays. 

We watched the Rubber Chicken Variety Show, which was unique and punny. 

We went through the tractor displays... 

... and checked out the model railroad. 

I don't remember seeing this fountain last year. The Sky Ride has been there since 2018 and I still haven't been on it. I'm not a rides person. We didn't even go into the Midway on this visit. 

After a fun-filled day at the fair, we headed to our hotel. We spent the evening playing cards while snacking on kettle corn. 

We had a full day of activities planned for the following day. I'll tell you all about it tomorrow.