How all county fairs should start: a snow cone.

Coming from small-town Kansas, county fairs are a big deal. Behind the rodeo, it's probably the biggest event (to be fair, those two overlap). So, when the San Mateo County Fair rolled into our backyard, I had to go.

Compared to the Phillips County Fair, San Mateo County fell short on animals but holy crafts. Quilts galore, aisles and aisles of photographs and an abundance of painting ability. If we had the cash, we probably would have even purchased some of the pieces. It makes sense that indoor activities soar around here. It's the San Francisco Peninsula. Land prices are a little steep. Back in Kansas, at least where I grew up, animals filled up the buildings. While I didn't participate in any of the animal showing or 4-H shenanigans, I could still be found at the fair helping friends tend their livestock or catching a karaoke performance from locals. But just because San Mateo County doesn't have as many animals doesn't mean they don't take some of the smaller ones serious, including big, white turkeys. Around at the back of the fair grounds, we came across turkey judging. Along with their turkeys, FFA and 4-Hers donned their apparel, which 4-Hers didn't wear back in Phillipsburg. But besides the ridiculous looking outfits, they held their turkeys upside down by their legs for the judge. That was the most comical part. I am so glad I never have had to try and hold a bird like that.

They show turkeys. What?!? And that 4-H get up ... lucky kid.

Still amazed that they just stood there for the judge.

Awww. Fuzzy bunny.

After seeing the exhibits, we enjoyed a soda, hypnotist and acrobats. The acrobats jumped through hoops, flung around weapons, balanced on crazy-high chairs and bent themselves into moving flower arrangements. The little bendy girl was unreal. Then, we ventured over to see an exotic petting zoo, where Cole touched a snake and acted like a turtle. The entertainment highlight came with racing little pigs. They ran fast and even jumped over little hurdles. Having seen little pigs run around back on my parent's farm, I think they could run in pig races, at least the little ones. The crowd was divided to root for pigs, but I rebelled and cheered for the little purple pig, Notorious P.I.G. No surprise, the gangsta pig cloaked in purple.

After the animals, we watch some acrobats, including this chair balancer and a super bendy girl.

He's probably glad I have low pages views. Turtle, turtle.

Cheered for the purple pig, Notorious P.I.G., and she won.

The night ended with fair cuisine. Cheese fries from me and ribs for Cole. Tasty ending to a great county fair.

Yum. Literally one of my favorite foods. And yes, I realize this is more like cheese with a side of fries.

Cole went with the tasty, fragrant ribs.

We had a great night at the county fair.