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County Fairs
July 2001
County Fairs are part of a long American tradition as occasions to display favorite animals from the family farm, to engage in all kinds of competitions and to enjoy a rich variety of country entertainment. Many visitors take their cameras with them and come home with rolls of film to remind them of the fun and excitement.
But the photographer of the images in this portfolio used his sharp eye to discover something more lasting. He saw the bright eye and knowing smile of a young boy leaning proudly on the back of his blue ribbon prize. Looking through his viewfinder he found the perfect moment to produce a superb cover for this issue of our GUIDE. As he wandered around the Fair he discovered other photogenic youngsters proudly exhibiting their prize animals. Some smiled confidently, others just posed, but always there was an unmistakable bond between the young owner and the farm animal being exhibited. The brilliant shot of three competitors holding the heads of their black-legged sheep with their rear facing the camera deserves a prize in itself!
We are delighted to publish these photographs that not only capture the spirit of the County Fair but are works of art in themselves.
– David Finn
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