To market, to market to buy a fat pig...

Author's note: I know this doesn't seem like a housewife topic but trust me on this.

We have all been to one in our lives. Fayres or in the modern day fairs have brought excitement to communities around the world.  They can bring new and exciting news and things. Today they vary from county and state fairs, car, sewing, and animal expos. They are fun, entertaining and exciting. Sure there are rides and food but for centuries fairs or market days were more about the new items.

Mother Goose

Most fairs last a few days, while others last months or more. In small rural areas a fair could be a relief. Even a market coming through once a week was something to look forward to. For everyday or once a week market they were like farmers markets today. You might find some jewelry or clothing but most likely you will find fresh vegetables, herbs, meat and local spices. Of that you buy only enough to get you to the next market day with out it spoiling.

Vicenzo Campi, The Fruit seller 1580; Joachim Beucklear, The Country Market,1566

Once a year for a few days to a couple of weeks you might have a larger fair. Locals and travelers would gather to sell there wears and prove they were the  best. You could find food of course but there was cloth, animals, spices, and other treasures from far off lands. There would be dancing, singing, and other entertainment. In some images you find gambling, strangely dressed people and stages with all sorts of acts. 

Peasant Dance and Children's Games by Pieyet Bruegel 1560s;  Aertsen 1500s

Over the years fairs have changed but the purpose remains the same.  Excitement,  new and unusual things and of course entertainment. World fairs, State fairs, County Fairs and farmers markets bring out the best in what our world has to offer. They have been launching points for automobiles, televisions, new comics, and so much more. They display local talent from weavers, to gardeners, bakers and the list continues. We still look forward to them. From going on rides to seeing vendors we haven't seen in a while. Getting homemade relish and jams or wooden spoons you can't find anywhere else.  We love seeing the sewing and knitted items on display and maybe buy some. The sight, sound and smells entice our senses as we bite into funnel cake or Carmel Apple or maybe something we have never tried before. Even colorful posters give us something to look forward to.

So this weekend as I head off to the New England Fiber Festival I look back to the history of fairs and festivals,  and look forward to new gadgets, techniques,  and the excitement...

Home again, home again, doing a jig.....