Western Fair Photo Op

It's been a number of years since the last time I went to the Western Fair - an annual tradition when Kazi was younger which was only fitting since she was born after I spent several hours waddling around the fair 24 years ago! Last night I went with my friend, Troy, as we both wanted to see the Canadian band called "Glass Tiger" whom some of you Canadian readers remember (if you're close to my age!) Once inside the fair the atmosphere, sounds, sights and smells were sorta exciting, I have to admit :) I'm just a kid at heart, I guess. Though a lot of things have changed locations since the last time I attended and we never did find the Belgium Waffles - boo!! 

However, there were so many opportunities for photos and I took advantage:

 Who doesn't like baby chicks?

 bees however? Not quite so cuddly...

 I LOVE wandering through the display buildings full of the strange and wonderful entries in various competitions - like these dresses made from recycled materials like pop tabs and CDs.

 and then there's the fair food. A gourmet grilled cheese stuffed with bacon, tomatoes and caramelized onions helped me get over not getting my favourite Belgium Waffle. I won't list all the free samples I stuffed myself with!

I love the outdoor photos once it gets dark and ALL of the lights go on!

 This ride was in motion!

Some things never change - good old Whac-A-Mole!!

 ...and other games...which I didn't play because I just got rid of the tacky stuffed animals won over the years...

 This was new...riding over top of the whole fair...

I managed to stay away from MOST of the food booths...

 One of my favourite photos of the night!

 And then it was time for Giant GLASS TIGER!!!

Alan Frew, originally from Scotland!, still looked pretty good - of course I HAVE to say that because we are the same age!

 Guitarist Al Connelly...he's still got it going on!

During the concert the big pirate ship ride loomed over me so I had to take a shot - whoosh!

 They finally played our favourite song during the encore: "Don't forget me when I'm gone" and we had a lengthy sing-a-long :)

 Can you find the little car on the roller coaster? Does that ride look sturdy to you??

The crowds and the lights - although it was freakin' cold out the fair was well attended...

...no doubt because there were days or torrential rainfall and flooding during the past week.

 ...getting artsy fartsy :)

and again...

 ...the rides no longer tempt me like they used to. Getting off a ride dizzy and with a headache just doesn't do it for me anymore.  Yup, I'm officially getting old.

 After picking up a couple of free trees as part of a Reforest London project we headed home. Years ago I would have joined the long conga line to get Alan Frew's autograph but I preferred to get to the heat of Dougie the Dodge than to stand for hours shivering. Yes, my groupie days are long over too!