As a youngster growing up during WWII, the Saratoga County Fair was the one summer event that I eagerly anticipated. I would save all my money from my paper route for the fair. Gas rationing was in effect and since we didn't own a car, I relied upon my best friend's mom to transport us. Once there, a magical world of sights, sounds and temptations opened up for me. My hard earned savings burned a hole in my pocket but I learned from experience to save the exciting midway for last.

I roamed through all the barns and eyed the well-groomed animals awaiting their turn before the fair's judges. The proud teenage owners were mostly members of 4-H clubs and expended much energy and loving care on their charges, all for the sake of a blue ribbon. The smaller animals such as rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs and the like were kept in cages while the larger cows, horses, pigs, sheep and goats had their own stalls. The noises and smells of the animals, their bedding, feed and even their droppings all added to the flavor of the day.

County fairs relied on 4-H clubs to provide the staples of their existence. There was no need to generate revenue or attract the immediate world with gimmicks such as the latest country or pop singers, demolition derbies or stock car racing. The grandstand was there for the purpose of viewing harness horse races. My teenage sister became an avid horse trainer and raced in a few county fairs as there was no legalized betting at these events. She received her l5 minutes of fame for her efforts by appearing on both "What's My Line" and "To Tell the Truth," two popular quiz shows of the 50's, where none of the performers guessed her occupation.

Once I completed the circle of animals and crafts at the fair, I headed for the midway. In front of me was a kaleidoscope of colors, sights and sounds as I excitedly considered my options. The Ferris wheel tempted me as it reached for the sky with its riders screaming in their swinging gondolas. The Tilt-A-Whirl spun past my vision and beckoned with its spinning seats filled with happy passengers. I didn't have the guts to ride the rocket with its two space capsules swinging like a pendulum even though my friend Charlie dared me to join him. I played it safe and rode the swings as they twirled in an ever increasing and higher circle till I felt like I would fly off into space. For the younger fairgoers there was the merry-go-round or pony rides.

No day at the fair was complete without a trip to the fun house. The raucous laughter generated by the loudspeakers emanating from its multi-pictured front entrance was an enticement to join the thrill seekers inside. A small open car that rode on tracks took you into the dark entrance that boded chills and thrills as the car alternately raced and jerked while turning this way and that to confront the monsters and ghouls that sought you out but never quite seemed to reach you.

To sustain my energy as I perused the midway were numerous food vendors offering everything from cotton candy to hot dogs. Candy apples were a favorite and grape soda was a popular drink. In later years, I discovered that funnel cakes and pizza were a traditional snack food at Pennsylvania fairs.

Before I called it a day, I was tempted to try a few games of chance to bring home a souvenir. I took my time and looked them over: the baseball throwing booths with their tempting stack of metal bottles sitting on a little stool and waiting for the next Bob Feller to knock them down, the colorful balloons stuck up on the back of a booth waiting for someone to throw a dart that would make them pop and win them a stuffed animal, the spinning wheels where players put a dime down on a number and hoped the wheel found it or the chance to throw a basketball through a hoop that seemed miles away.

All too soon, the night lights came on and Charlie's mother signaled that it was time to go. We reluctantly took a last glimpse at the midway now bathed in light and more attractive than ever. It had been an afternoon's delight and we longed for the day when we would be old enough to stay and watch the skyrockets at night.