Big Baba's cousin, Robert, lives there, at the Templeton Developmental Center. Fred and Priscilla, and sometimes Paul and I have gone to this fair over the years.
Robert is the son of Nante and Anna Radtke. He has lived here since he was about 12 years old. It is a big working farm that is a residential center for the mentally handicapped. Some of the men have jobs, although Robert is now "retired." Every year the center hosts a town fair on the grounds. It is quite a fun time with food, games, crafts, oxen pulls and a tour of the farm. Robert always enjoys it when the family comes to the fair.
The last time we camet here with Marley was in 2004 and this is what I wrote in Marley's scrapbook that year:
"Ferncol Fair - Today we went to the Ferncol Fair. This is held on the grounds of the Templeton Development Center. Every year the school hosts a small town fair with food, rides, animals, crafts, etc. The last time we went with Marley was 2002. We never made it in 2003 because it was a rainy weekend. It was sad going this year for the first time without Priscilla, just remembering how she enjoyed being there and watching Marley the last time we went. Marley thoroughly enjoyed herself this year. She had her face painted, rode a big horse (much to Kristen and my nervousness that she would fall off), rode the kiddy roller coaster with me (I was to nervous to let her go herself), and took the cow barn tour. I'm not sure just what Robert thought of her. I don't think he likes to share the attention. Nancy came up for the afternoon. We all had a fun day; the weather was beautiful! 9/25/2004."
Today was a beautiful warm fall day. Marley seemed to have a good time. There were lots of things for kids to do.
She had a ride on a horse.
Watched an oxen pull ("Isn't that mean to do to them?").
Took a tour of the dairy farm.
Went through a corn maze.
Searched for treasure in sawdust.
And found these.
Let Baba walk her new stuffed puppy (that she named Goldie).
I love coming to this fair, especially with Marley!
3 comments:
No (Marley) it's not mean, honest!! They love to pull and were bred for it, like some dogs were bred to work sheep. For draft horses and oxen, pulling is life!
I'll be sure to have Marley read this Melissa. She was feeling quite sorry for them!
Marley's haircut looks great! Her sneakers, crack me up......rather retro don't you think? Looks like it was a fun day..... :)
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