Last Friday, I opened and closed the Ventura County Fair with leg cramps as proof. But pleasure trumps pain. Never can I attend this magnificent Fair and not savor visual treats replete with abundant fun... aches be damned.

Upon opening at 11 a.m., I moseyed down Main Street... photoing here and there... eventually reaching the Morgan Horse Show Arena to shoot the “big beauties draft and carriage show”. The restored carriages and the horses that pull them are magnificent. Most interesting were the two draft wagons pulled by a trio of 2,000 pound horses. One team of three Belgian beauties and the other team three Clydesdales. Awesome!

Next... pure giggles: The All Alaskan Racing Pigs. In past years, my compositions concentrated on the pigs. But this year I decided to reset to default photojournalism. Still show the pig hurdles of course but include a much larger background of spectators. In a word: Context. In other words: 'Rooted in Tradition'.

Viewing the photos on my computer display I was pleasantly surprised. The reactions of the spectators adds a dimension to the racing pigs that I hadn't thought about in recent years. But also the perpetual question all photojournalists face: What is the photo's subject? Such are the complexities of photojournalism. In this case, what's more interesting... the Alaskan racing pigs or the reactions of the spectators? Perhaps both are equally interesting? What do you think?

Anyway, this is a great example of the allure and fascination of photography - the omnipresent multiplicity of options as well as the stimulation of experimentation. However, to experience this exquisite phenomenon, one needs... ahem... a 'camera'... not a smartphone. Just sayin'.

Unlike a colleague at another unmentionable publication, I did not succumb to the vast array of gastrointestinal teases: Turkey legs, BBQ ribs, funnel cakes, BBQ corn on the cob, ice cream dots, fudge, rice teriyaki bowls, deep fried watermelon, Dodger dogs, deep fried Twinkies, fish tacos, and much, much more. Anything with jalapeños would be self-inflicted agony! I relented only when I saw the advert: “Our Wurst is the Best.” So, a brat and German-style potato salad for lunch. Not exciting but safe and satisfying.

'Twas a bright and sunny day, a tad warmer than usual for the Fair. Photoing anything on the midway under such conditions is very challenging. So indoors I went at the Clark Animal Center for shade and where sheep and goats provided photo ops.

Later, time to capture a few gratuitous photos of the throng milling hither and yon. Sashaying to the Midway, dozens of contests chock full of colorful stuffed animals tempt fairgoers to ante up tickets to play. Winners are few but resisting the temptation futile considering that the carny barkers are experts at goading male egos... titillating machismo.

Sundown finally arrives. Remember the Fair golden hour? I was ready but challenged nevertheless given the atmosphere devoid of h²o particles to diffuse the light even the slightest. But try I must. The goal: Sunstars! Must haves! Spinning dials on the camera had my Canon 7DMKII screaming “what are you doing?” Shut up and do as I command, I reply... politely.

After the requisite evening photos, it was time to return to my truck to fetch a jacket for the inevitable chill and the tripod for the fireworks. Long day but fireworks are also must haves.

This coming weekend is the most action packed time, IMO. Tomorrow, Friday, is the ever exciting Junior Livestock Auction in the Clark Pavilion. Grange, 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) kids all bring to the auction ring the results of their earnest endeavors, raising a championship animal. Championship kids and animals they all are... no doubt!

Saturday and Sunday the always exciting PRCA rodeo. From barrel racing to bull riding... non-stop photo ops.

See ya at the Fair.

Send comments, suggestions or questions to: bob@fillmoregazette.com

[Editor's note: See all of Bob's fair photos in this week's Front Page section.]