[A/N: Happy Thanksgiving!]

Chapter 21 [A Few Hours Later—Rensselaer County Fairgrounds]

Sol rose to Morning's quarter point in Sky's blue backdrop. Fall Breeze rustled Trees. Foliage's Paints dabbed at Leaves.

Fair slowly came together. Crews put Rides and Midway Tents up. Food Tents would rise right beside them. Farmers' Trucks and Trailers carted Livestock into the area. Craft Booths went up. Regulars brought Chairs and hung Goods for Judging along the back wall.

And some returned for the first time in years….

Aunt May looked about the developing area. Despite Societal Change overall, Booths still seemed as they always did. Her eye wandered over Competition's offerings. Doubt ate at her over her items' quality. Other Quilts' colors and designs seemed to outshine hers.

"Aunt May, it's going to be fine. Don't sell your knitting short." Peter sized up booths and attendees. He'd go around on the next day for interviews and photos. "Look at Dr. Dubois' pie and her competition."

"Peter, that is very sweet." Aunt May blushed. "Look, there's that nice Millie!" She waved. "Let's get settled!" She led them in that direction. "Hi, Millie!"

Millie waved back. "Good morning, May and Peter!" Welcome's smile spread across her face. "Everyone will be here soon. I hope you don't mind. They put your Afghan and Quilt right here beside ours. You just relax. I got you a chair right here. The judges will be by with some paperwork for us to fill out. It's really easy. Just a couple of pages to fill out and sign."

"I'll be right here, Aunt May. We can look them over together." Peter looked around the area. "Would you like some coffee or tea?"

"Thank you, Peter Dear. I'm fine. That nice man on the telephone told me about the registration forms. You have your work. Why don't you do some of that? Millie and I will be just fine." Aunt May rubbed his hand. "Go on. It'll be fine. Maybe come by in a little while? We'll talk in the meantime."

"If we need you, Peter, I'll have them page you over the PA system. We'll have a great time," Millie assured him.

He stepped back. He wanted Aunt May to have freedom and confidence. "Sure thing, Aunt May. I'll listen just in case. You ladies have a great time. Enjoy yourselves! Good luck both of you!" Encouragement flashed his best smile. He waved and walked off toward the Midway.

"He's good to you, May," Millie noted.

"Yes, he is. Peter's a good boy." Aunt May settled into her chair. Ambiance relaxed her. "It hasn't changed at all."

"Tradition rules around here. That's for sure in a great many things." Millie handed her a warm cup. "Here's some more of that cider from yesterday. Annette Riggelman sends her regards."

Aunt May nodded. Traditions like this one she could definitely do well with.

[An Hour and a Half Later]

Peter wandered Fairgrounds. He snapped a few pictures. He tracked down a few vendors for interviews. Ringmaster sat down with him for twenty minutes. Then, the Fair's director took Peter's questions as well. Questions prompted Accounts and Stories. Experience spun wide yarn for Consideration.

Peter scribbled in his notepad. Interest prompted Nods and Smiles from him. After he had more than tripled Expectation's goals, he stood. "Thanks, Mr. Richards. I really appreciate it."

"No problem, Mr. Parker. I appreciate the coverage from down south. You have a good day." Richards rose from his chair. "Can I offer a potential subject for your next interview?"

"Sure. Who would that be?" Peter held Pen up ready to write down next suggestion.

"Angie Dubois. She's got a long history with this fair. She was a great rider as a kid and teenager. Now, she bakes pies. Can't beat her cherry! Mmm-MMM!" Richards rubbed his stomach.

"She made it last night. No argument here. I'll do that! Thank you!" Peter made a note to speak with Angie. "Sorry. I don't want to keep you."

"No trouble at all. Just make us shine in the Bugle! Have a great day!" Richards tipped his hat and walked away.

Peter considered Interview's pages upon pages in Notebook. Ms. Mercado will love these interviews! I'll see if I can get Dr. Dubois' insights and some of the others too! Initial Goal accomplished, he made his way back toward Aunt May and her new friend. I hope Gwen has the same luck down at the archives. Set Up continued its progress all around himself. Routine would have everything up and running by the next day.

Progress did take time after all….