We're Going to Kentucky, We're Going to the FAIR, to see the Senoritas with Flowers in their Hair....

...Anyone know that nursery rhyme? It always comes into my head when we're going to the fair or a festival.  Maybe that's what I get for being around kids all the time...or my mom. hehe

Anyway...I definitely felt like a local this past weekend.  Saturday, Jeff had to work for the majority of the day, so I went to the gym & ran some errands.  When he got home we ordered pizza, then headed to a couple bars later that night.  Interesting crowds, might I add.  We felt old, as people can drink over here starting at the age of 18.  They might be able to drink at 16 even...there is always discussion/confusion among locals with the rule. Although you definitely can't get into clubs/bars at that age...who knows?!

Yesterday, Nottingham was putting on the Riverside Festival.  It was exactly like a state or county fair only a little smaller, of course.  We walked 1.7 miles to get there, although it was a beautiful day so it didn't seem like much of a walk.  The festival was located next to the Trent River, which was the first time we had ever been down near the River.  The festival had all of the same big items you'd have in a fair in the states: games with large stuffed animals, rides, entertainment, and loads of food.   

We missed the Duck Race, but we think they tossed them off this bridge. Oh wait, not real ducks. It was the rubber ducky races for a local charity.  They do this in the states, too!

Speaking of food...it was really interested to see the choices of "fair food" here in England.  When I go the fair, my choices are always a corndog, fried pickles, elephant ears, walking tacos, and Jeff loves the fried candies (Oreos, Snickers, Reese's).  Here in Nottingham (and assuming nation-wide), you could get different roasts, burgers, donuts, of course coffees/teas, chips (fries), and the oddest one....hot peas.  I was really intrigued by this, and no I didn't try it, but it basically looked like thick pea soup.  People were lining up to get it, so it must be a treat around here.  I love peas, but just not enough to enjoy them at the fair.  They also like stands called Pick & Mix.  These stands are at every festival we go to and they are filled with a variety of candy.  Basically people just pick the different kinds (and can even mix....get the name, now?) and take that variety of candy home.  Anyway, those were all over the festival as well.  

There were many carnival games that were a play-on things in America. Basketball games, Kentucky Derby, shooting games, & more! 

 Jeff and I were both getting a little woozy after watching this ride go for a little bit.  It traveled in a full circle...gag.  

 When you first walked up to the festival area, they had at least 10 different trucks that were playing carousel-type music.  It was a little overwhelming, and I'm not sure the point of having 10 in a row playing creepy music. 

It was pretty impressive to have a real roller-coaster at their festival.  Hard to believe all of this work for just a 3-day event... 

Some of the entertainment.  We passed at least 3 stages, each playing something different.  These guys were playing the guitar.  

Overall, it was a great afternoon out.  We were happy to be able to see more of the city as well! Have a great week & thanks for visiting the blog!