Don't forget to bring these fair essentials
Staff Writer Allison Wood gives a rundown
Staff Writer Allison Wood is ready for a day at the Medina County Fair. Photo by DAVID SICKELS
For many, attending the Medina County Fair is close to an all-day event, with visitors subject to all kinds of weather conditions and other factors.
Whenever I go to the fairgrounds during this week, I always have to take a mental inventory of everything I will need during my travels through the grounds.
At times, especially when I go on a particularly hot day, it feels like I’m packing for some long trek in the desert. The camera backpack I carry with me seems to gets heavier with each step.
Here is a list of items I almost always bring with me:
Cash
We all know someone who for some reason brags about how he or she never carries cash, like it’s some kind of accomplishment.
These individuals will have to suck it up and hit the ATM so they can at least pay the $6 fair entry fee. Some vendors also only accept cash as well; there are some ATMs on the fairgrounds, but who wants to pay those fees?
I always end up spending a little more than I think, so you might as well take out your cash for the week before you come. The fair is a pretty good place for impulse food buys; why not have that once a year funnel cake? #YOLO.
Hat
The outdoor area of the fairgrounds doesn’t have a ton of shade and the sun tends to beat down during the day, so I’d recommend wearing a hat at least until late afternoon when it starts to cool down.
A regular baseball cap will work, but during outdoor events, I tend to wear a wide-brimmed camouflage “boonie hat” I bought at the Army/Navy store before it closed on Public Square in Medina.
Closed-toe shoes
I cringe whenever I see people wearing flip-flops or something else just as flimsy on the fairgrounds.
Any fair trip involves a ton of walking on uneven and sometimes muddy surfaces, especially in the barns and areas around the grandstand. Do yourself a favor and wear a pair of comfortable tennis shoes or cowboy boots that you wouldn’t mind getting a bit dusty, muddy, or worse...
Sunscreen
Don’t forget to put sunscreen on your face, shoulders, arms and legs before locking up your car to go inside (there’s always a few reports of car break-ins during fair week).
If you’re there more than a couple of hours – and/or particularly pasty like myself – I’d bring a travel-size container to do some touchups or a larger tube if you’ve got the kids or grandkids with you. Don’t let a nasty sunburn be your main fair week memory.
Water
Although there are plenty of liquids you can buy to quench your thirst on the fairgrounds (now including beer!), I like to bring a water bottle to have a few sips when I’m just walking around.
I usually buy another drink later when it’s time to eat, but I hate paying for water when I can take it from the tap for free. If it’s really hot and/or you’re with your family, you could bring a hydration backpack, which usually contains around 2 liters you drink through a tube on the bottom of one of the straps.
Medicine (if necessary)
A vital part of any fair experience is eating overly rich, fried and/or fatty foods, but for many people, eating these items means feeling uncomfortable later.
If this is a familiar story for you, I’d recommend bringing and taking any medication you might need before the discomfort sets in. I’ve developed lactose intolerance over the last couple years, so I know I’d have to take a Lactaid before having a 4-H milkshake or some fried cheesesticks. Don’t let digestive issues stop you from enjoying your fair experience and being forced to leave early.
Smartphone or camera
There’s no shortage of interesting things to photograph on the fairgrounds, especially when you’ve got some kids with you, so don’t forget your smartphone or camera to grab those memories. Along with creating your own shots, there are some funny cutouts throughout the fairgrounds. If you have a camera, don’t forget to charge the battery or bring a spare.
Hand sanitizer
This one is especially important if you’re going with young children and if you’ll be visiting any of the livestock barns. Be sure to use some after your time in the barns and before getting anything to eat. Thanks to the Medina County Health department for this reminder.
Hopefully, this list will jog your memory when you’re preparing to go to the fairgrounds. Some of these items can be left out if you’re going in the evening and/or on a cooler day, but it might be a good idea to store some of them in your car so you can access them if necessary.
Whenever I go to the fairgrounds during this week, I always have to take a mental inventory of everything I will need during my travels through the grounds.
At times, especially when I go on a particularly hot day, it feels like I’m packing for some long trek in the desert. The camera backpack I carry with me seems to gets heavier with each step.
Here is a list of items I almost always bring with me:
Cash
We all know someone who for some reason brags about how he or she never carries cash, like it’s some kind of accomplishment.
These individuals will have to suck it up and hit the ATM so they can at least pay the $6 fair entry fee. Some vendors also only accept cash as well; there are some ATMs on the fairgrounds, but who wants to pay those fees?
I always end up spending a little more than I think, so you might as well take out your cash for the week before you come. The fair is a pretty good place for impulse food buys; why not have that once a year funnel cake? #YOLO.
Hat
The outdoor area of the fairgrounds doesn’t have a ton of shade and the sun tends to beat down during the day, so I’d recommend wearing a hat at least until late afternoon when it starts to cool down.
A regular baseball cap will work, but during outdoor events, I tend to wear a wide-brimmed camouflage “boonie hat” I bought at the Army/Navy store before it closed on Public Square in Medina.
Closed-toe shoes
I cringe whenever I see people wearing flip-flops or something else just as flimsy on the fairgrounds.
Any fair trip involves a ton of walking on uneven and sometimes muddy surfaces, especially in the barns and areas around the grandstand. Do yourself a favor and wear a pair of comfortable tennis shoes or cowboy boots that you wouldn’t mind getting a bit dusty, muddy, or worse...
Sunscreen
Don’t forget to put sunscreen on your face, shoulders, arms and legs before locking up your car to go inside (there’s always a few reports of car break-ins during fair week).
If you’re there more than a couple of hours – and/or particularly pasty like myself – I’d bring a travel-size container to do some touchups or a larger tube if you’ve got the kids or grandkids with you. Don’t let a nasty sunburn be your main fair week memory.
Water
Although there are plenty of liquids you can buy to quench your thirst on the fairgrounds (now including beer!), I like to bring a water bottle to have a few sips when I’m just walking around.
I usually buy another drink later when it’s time to eat, but I hate paying for water when I can take it from the tap for free. If it’s really hot and/or you’re with your family, you could bring a hydration backpack, which usually contains around 2 liters you drink through a tube on the bottom of one of the straps.
Medicine (if necessary)
A vital part of any fair experience is eating overly rich, fried and/or fatty foods, but for many people, eating these items means feeling uncomfortable later.
If this is a familiar story for you, I’d recommend bringing and taking any medication you might need before the discomfort sets in. I’ve developed lactose intolerance over the last couple years, so I know I’d have to take a Lactaid before having a 4-H milkshake or some fried cheesesticks. Don’t let digestive issues stop you from enjoying your fair experience and being forced to leave early.
Smartphone or camera
There’s no shortage of interesting things to photograph on the fairgrounds, especially when you’ve got some kids with you, so don’t forget your smartphone or camera to grab those memories. Along with creating your own shots, there are some funny cutouts throughout the fairgrounds. If you have a camera, don’t forget to charge the battery or bring a spare.
Hand sanitizer
This one is especially important if you’re going with young children and if you’ll be visiting any of the livestock barns. Be sure to use some after your time in the barns and before getting anything to eat. Thanks to the Medina County Health department for this reminder.
Hopefully, this list will jog your memory when you’re preparing to go to the fairgrounds. Some of these items can be left out if you’re going in the evening and/or on a cooler day, but it might be a good idea to store some of them in your car so you can access them if necessary.