Summer Fairs and Festivals
I will never be accused of being a hot weather fan. For me, the heat and humidity of summer is the perfect excuse to sit in the air-conditioned splendor and work on a jigsaw puzzle. What does get me outside despite those sultry, sunny summer temps? I’m a big fan of the fairs, festivals and farmers markets that come with the season!
Some of my favorite events are the annual art fairs in my hometown and in my adopted city, that I’ve attended for years. As an artsy person myself, I can spend hours browsing booths, getting inspired by all the creativity, and finding a one-of-a-kind piece for myself or a gift and support local artists! New York Puzzle Company’s 1000 piece Art Festival is one of over 100 New Yorker covers by illustrator and cartoonist Garret Price, who worked for the magazine for over 50 years.
Art Festival by New York Puzzle Company
Growing up in the Midwest, county fairs were a big deal for my friends and me. Years later, I married a guy who booked grandstand acts and the free entertainment—known as grounds attractions—at fairs across the country and was on our State Fair Board, so I’ve been on fairgrounds in more counties than I can count. All’s Fair from MasterPieces is a nostalgic 1000 piece folk art style of a county fair.
Even though I didn’t live on a farm, I was in 4-H and spent a good chunk of the year preparing projects for competition at the fair—everything from sewing a jean jacket (I’m a horrible seamstress!) to dog obedience, showing my horse and getting a crash course in showing sheep when my friend needed last minute help showing her champion Dorsets. You never know when that skill might come in handy! Blue Ribbon County Fair brings back memories of my trip around the livestock ring. I did the 1000 piece version, but RoseArt also offers it in 300 pieces.
Blue Ribbon County Fair by RoseArt
When it comes to state fairs, the middle of the country has some of biggest and best, from Minnesota to Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas, but the Iowa State Fair will always be my #1, and it’s considered “America’s classic state fair.” Since everything is bigger in Texas, that includes their state fair, which runs a whopping 24 days and has over 2 million visitors each year. State Fair from Dowdle is 500 pieces of famous images from this huge Dallas event, including Big Tex—the 55 foot icon with his 75 gallon cowboy hat, the huge Texas Star ferris wheel and the famous Cotton Bowl.
State Fair by Dowdle
Wherever you are on the fairgrounds you can’t miss the midway, especially at night with all the lights, colors and music. It’s been years, but I’d love to ride on one of Iowa’s famous side-by-side double ferris wheels again. Getting stopped at the top provided one incredible view! Fairground Nights from MasterPieces captures all the neon lights and colors from a late night walk around the midway in 550 bright pieces!
Fairground Nights by MasterPieces
You can’t go to a fair without indulging in some Fun Fair Food! In fact, I know some people who go to the fair just for the food, or the food competitions. This was such a fun Lars Stewart puzzle from Buffalo Games. One of my favorites this year! I put together the 1000 piece, but they make a 300 count, too, if you prefer fewer “calories.” This isn’t health food, folks! I have to wonder, though… where are the deep-fried Twinkies and Oreos, giant turkey leg, or pork chop on a stick?
Fun Fair Food by Buffalo Games
If you’re a foodie, there are plenty of summer events to satisfy your culinary cravings! One of the small towns near me hosts a blocks-long food truck festival down their main street every summer. A great way to sample a variety of dishes, from ethnic to vegan. What could be more fun than a food fest on the beach? Buffalo Games Hawaiian Food Truck Festival is in my summer to-do stack, for sure! I’ll be doing the 1000 piece version, but if you’re up for the challenge, there’s a 2000 piece available, too.
Hawaiian Food Truck Festival by Buffalo Games
Nothing tastes better in the summer than fruits and vegetables fresh off the tree or out of the garden. We’re lucky to have a weekly farmers market just a few blocks away from May through October, with seasonal food, craft vendors and plenty of spots to sit down and take a break. MasterPieces Market Day Afternoon captures the atmosphere of a relaxing walk around a local market in this 750 piece puzzle.
Market Day Afternoon by MasterPieces
Whether you’re into the excitement of the midway thrill rides at your favorite fair or carnival, trying the latest fried food on a stick, or strolling the booths at a local market, there are plenty of summer fairs and festivals to get out and enjoy. Writing this month’s blog, I discovered that there are a variety of puzzles to go with them. This is just a small sample available from Puzzle Warehouse. When you’re ready to come inside and relax with a puzzle, I hope you’ll enjoy one of these!
Stay cool and have a great summer!
Dawn @5wolves
Love reading your blog!