The largest agricultural fair in New England. The site of sprout's Paoletti Grandparents making Italian subs and bran muffins, all for good causes. The reason for a half day at school, fair Friday, every year. Where Mama Sprout's 7th grade "date" threw up all over her on the ferris wheel. Where crafts projects and cookies were entered, where ribbons were won, where rain fell, where piglets were counted, where rides tossed Mama Sprout and her sister around and around... marking each autumn of our childhood.

Papa Sprout had his first introduction this weekend. He came, he saw, he photographed, he ate a meatball grinder. He and Mama watched llamas perform, kids cry, cows get milked, tractors compete to pull the heaviest weight. Sprout kicked. He's definitely coming back.

Many thanks to sprout's Aunt Sarah for inspiring the adventure, and to Grandparents Paoletti who chauffeured, fed and gave their bed to happy fair-goers!