It was November of 1945 and at last the words my mother had been waiting for finally came. My father was being discharged from the Army! To muster out, he would need to spend a few days in New Orleans before coming home to California.

My mother couldn’t wait to see him again so she made the trip to Louisiana. Once in New Orleans she passed the long afternoons, while my dad was attending to his last days as an Army man, in the movie theaters. One of the movies playing was “State Fair” starring Jeanne Crain and Dana Andrews.

“State Fair” has always been one of her favorite movies. Not just because of its timing with my dads homecoming but because of the theme. The excitement of a family heading out together to attend the Fair.

Going to the county fair here in Santa Clara County used to be a big event. People would be talking with great excitement and anticipation of opening day. There was a buzz on the street, a feeling in the air. This year the fair only has a three day run. Where did the magic go? To quote BB King, “The thrill is gone.”

The lack of interest is most likely because the orchards and canneries of this once proclaimed “Valley of Hearts Delight” are now gone forever. The midway can’t compare with the likes of Great America or Marine World nor can a jar of peaches or a quilt to what we see on our computer screens daily.

Is it just here in the jaded Bay Area that the joy of the homegrown and handcrafted is lost or is the concept of the Fair pass

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4. Tourists
5. Castro Street Fair This Sunday