There is something about the fair at night. The fair at night feels more alive, more exciting, once the sun goes down.
The barkers on the midway calling for you to “step right up…win a prize,” seem louder, more insistent, as they work to entice you to play their game.
Brilliant neon and the too bright glare of incandescent lighting replaces the warm glow of the mid day sun.
Children and the still young at heart stare wide-eyed at the kaleidoscope of light and motion at every turn. Every inward breath bringing with it the mixed aromas of popcorn, hot dogs, and a thousand others.
Yet surrounded by all this excitement, there is also calm.
Even amidst this raucous din, one can still find peace, and a quiet warmth within the livestock barns. Once you cross the threshold onto the soft carpet of sawdust and hay, the lively sounds of the fair recede into the background like a radio playing low in the distance. At night, as the constant influx of people lessens, the animals settle in for the evening, laying down to rest. The occasional lowing of a cow, or bleat of a lamb, the only sound breaking the relative silence.
Yes, there is something magical about the fair at night.
Marvellous!
Thanks Victor!
I really like that second midway shot.
The one with the ferris wheel all lit in blue? Thanks, I almost didn’t use that one.
🙂 Funny, because that is my favorite. I guess everyone has different taste.
How magical your photos are :).
Abracadabra! 😉
Lovely photos and words!!
Thanks a lot Andrew.
Just awesome pics, as usual!!
Thank you Barb, as usual 😉
Super photos and the perfect descriptions!
Thanks on both counts!
You’ve brought back many childhood memories of the fair at night… the lights, sounds, smells… wonderful! 🙂
That makes me very happy to hear, thank you.
I loved the show as a child. Now that I am an adult (who occasionally has a thing with crowds) not so much, but it is lovely to experience it in this way, watching the vibrance from a distance 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Miss Lou
x
I’m the same way, though now I get to see it through my daughters eyes. As for the crowds, I’m not a fan either.
I’m glad I could capture the fair for you to enjoy.
Evoked all of my senses! Thanks Jeff !
You are ever so welcome!
I loved going to the fair as a child and haven’t thought about it until I saw your post. My, the good times we forget!
Thank you Jeff for bringing a piece of my childhood back! 🙂
I’m so glad my photos could have a special meaning for you. Sounds to me like it’s time you visited the fair!
I shall definitely keep my ears open 🙂
What an unexpected ending of your fair gallery 😀 I LOVE IT! (all of it)
Didn’t expect so much cute and cuddly to follow the night shots did you ;-D
Nope 😆
After those colourful images of the fairground at night it was nice to come back to peace and quiet of those animals in peaceful slumber.
Thanks Chrisstov, it was the perfect way to end the night at the fair. My daughter was getting tired, though she wouldn’t admit it, so it was the perfect wind-down on our way back to the car.
I love fairs! They are such a great subject for color, movement, community and as you mentioned, peace!
Oh – and these are great!!
Yes, we mustn’t forget that. 😉
They are fun, that’s for sure. Especially at night. Though I have found that as I’m getting older my tolerance for rides has gone WAY down. If the Tilt-A-Whirl had lasted just a little longer…
I haven’t been on a ride for a long time – I will have to try that out… Is the Tilt-A-Whirl retired?
Nope, just rode it a few weeks ago. My stomach doesn’t have fond memories of the even though.
Whoa! Jeff those first two are awesome!!
Thanks Nate!