Where I grew up, not every county held a summer fair. There was one close by, although we never went. Otherwise, it was the state fair I attended once as a child, and then made sure and took my children to every year when we could afford to do so.

Seeing county fair’s pop up all over the state has been refreshing since moving to Kentucky. A relic of times past for the fast-paced world of the West Coast, it has been nice to step out and enjoy what some of you perhaps take for granted, but something I am experiencing for practically the very first time.

Driving home one partially cloudy night a few weeks ago, I dropped down through Garrard County into Boyle County coming up on Marksbury Farm. My eyes were immediately drawn to the left of me as I watched in awe of the ferris wheel lit up in all its glory at the Garrard County fair. There is nothing like seeing a county fair bustling with all the people, lights and sounds to make you feel like a kid again. Realizing the Jessamine County fair was quickly approaching, I was excited to see what it had to offer.

Having been to the Boyle County fair a few weeks back, I was curious and eager to compare that evening to one here in Jessamine County. I figured the two would almost be one in the same, but I sure was wrong.

Don’t tell Boyle County, but the fair Jessamine County just threw blows the socks off of anything they offered their residents this year.

I was only fortunate to get out to the Jessamine fair one night this last week. Although when I did it, was a night I am sure I won’t forget. I was fortunate to take my family and see their eyes light up once again this summer with the rest of the residents in town as we all gathered to experience a summer staple that I am quickly beginning to love along with the rest of you.

The rides were fantastic, the attractions were unlike any other I have seen in any other county and the weather could not have been more perfect.

While I was there, I was able to take in my first demolition derby. I got my fill of my first tractor pull in Boyle County, but having never experienced a demolition derby before I reached out to the company throwing the event and asked if they didn’t mind if I came out and tagged along for the evening. Very gracious that I had an interest, the owner told me how surprised he was that I would even want to come out as demolition derby’s have been around forever.

Watching for the first time, I realized how big my eyes must be and the excitement I was feeling as I turned and saw my 6-year-old son sitting in amazement right alongside me. Maybe not for everybody, but that particular fair event definitely left its mark and I will be sure to go to as many that I possibly can.

The sights, sounds and attractions of a summer fair are not something easily forgotten, and for most, they bring an immediate smile to your face. I want to commend Jessamine County for by far one of the best county fairs’ I have ever been to. I look forward to next year and I can’t wait to get back out and enjoy it all with the rest of you once again.

Brittany Fuller is the community editor of The Jessamine Journal and Jessamine Life magazine. She can be reached at brittany.fuller@jessaminejournal.com.