A Penny Fair

One autumn when the boys were little, we took them to a penny fair at a local church. They loved the simple games that cost a penny to play - and, of course, the little prizes that went with them! The boys were enthralled with the whole idea of a penny fair and played at the idea for days. They set up little stands with games and just played pretend as little ones do. Somehow that enthrallment lasted, and every autumn they set up a penny fair out in the yard. A few years ago we started to invite two other families to join our fun and so it has become a tradition. The kids talk about and create their stands weeks ahead, saving pennies and collecting prizes. They've come up with all kinds of ideas over the years - pet the chickens for a penny, a mini-golf course in the barn, hit the human (throwing a tennis ball at Ben in his protective gear!), wagon rides down the lane, a maze through the asparagus patch and on and on. The moms serve lunch, play the games (for a penny, of course!) and visit. Sweet, sweet memories . . .