For ten years my husband and I lived out of state. Every year at this time, I'd start to get homesick. I didn't mind so much being away for Easter and Thanksgiving, no, I missed the Solanco Fair.

There is something wonderful about local agricultural fairs. Daily attendance usually surpasses local population, bringing everyone home to the fair.

When I was little, my brother and I would enter produce grown on our family farm. We didn't always get ribbons to take home, but it was fun to visit our plums, apples, green beans, pumpkins or gourds.

The parade Wednesday night always kicked off the fair for me. I loved getting candy from the floats, listening to the marching bands, seeing the cute little baton twirlers, and of course fire trucks and horses. Son Liam was transfixed last year by the old-fashioned steam calliope that ends the parade.

A trip to the fair isn't complete without gorging yourself on the local offerings. The Lion's Club French fries that my dad makes, elephant ears and milkshakes from the farm women, and chicken corn soup from the Fair Association that my mom helps with are all good places to start.

While there aren't any rides, the tug-of-war, Strongest Man contest, baby parade and the barns full of animals raised by 4-H kids will keep you entertained. Don't miss the sewing and art buildings either. You'll be amazed what your friends and neighbors have made.

Many of you have tried vegetable gardens this year. I want to encourage you to enter something. Nice green beans or tomatoes? Did you can for the first time? Flower gardens looking especially good? Cut a boquet. Enter it in the fair. Entries are accepted on Tuesday September 16th in a wide variety of categories.

A few of Liam's pumpkins that he planted with pop-pop will find their way to the fair this year. They may not win any ribbons, but participating in local fair is fun and the best way to keep a great small-town tradition alive. The Solanco Fair runs September 17-19 on the Quarryville Fair Grounds.