Chapter 29 [County Fairgrounds]

Cars flowed into Parking Lot from Neighboring Villages and Towns. Friends and Relatives embraced and caught up akin to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Attendants prepared Midway's Games and Prizes. Rides started up for Current Year's Run. Residents manned Booths awaiting Judges' Evaluations. Smoke rose from Smokehouse's Meats, Pork and Chicken for later Meals.

Celebration was about to begin.

Kelly checked her watch. Fingers tapped Impatience's code across Car's hood. She paced a little. Aunts and Uncles had already entered the fairgrounds. Peter and Gwen awaited her. She looked over Blouse and Skirt once again. Darn it, Jerry, why'd you have to give in to that stuff? Dr. Connors and the others could've helped you! Lament elicited a long sigh from her. She patted pocket. Well at least I'll have fun with everyone. I just hope the directions worked.

Silver Honda entered the lot and pulled in right next to her. Its engine shut off. Doors opened allowing Harry and Liz to step out onto the Dirt Lot and Clear Blue Autumnal Day. Business had kept him at Norman's side until Dinnertime's chime. With Business Jet's aid, they'd made it to Albany for Overnight's rest. Kelly's Directions guided them there on the first try.

Kelly straightened right up. Enthusiasm brightened her face. "Hi, Guys! You made it!" Hand waved Greetings to Newcomers.

"Hi, Kelly! Glad we finally found this place!" Liz surveyed the parking lot and Country's backdrop all around. "When they said this was off the beaten path, they meant it."

"The directions out of Eagle Plain were good. It's kind of nice and peaceful." Crickets' chirps relaxed Harry. He straightened Tie and Sportscoat. "We didn't miss the turnoff. Glad we didn't try this in the dark. How's it been so far?"

"I haven't seen our crew since yesterday." Kelly shrugged. "Gwen and her Dad were in Eagle Plain yesterday. She and Peter, I guess, checked something out up in Edinsboro. Mrs. Parker and my family set up their booth at the fairgrounds. I'm hoping everything will chill out today."

"Stress at a fair like this?" Harry handed Kelly two twenty dollar bills. "Thanks for getting us in, Kelly. Hope it wasn't too much trouble." Harry expressed. Carnival Music lilted past his ears. "I'm in the mood of some popcorn and candy apples. Maybe some fried dough?"

Kelly handed him an envelope. "You're welcome. Mrs. Nesbitt was more than happy to hold your passes. I'll give this to her in just a minute. You'll have your chance at all of that great stuff. Just leave some room for a nice dinner tonight. All right? We're kind of known for great barbeque." Mouth watered. Face brightened at that assessment. "Your passes for the Fair. They'll get you in there." She handed it to him. "Follow me. Everyone's inside. You guys eat?"

"Harry found this great restaurant right next to the airport. Mmm! It was great!" Compliment flowed from Liz's lips to Harry's ear. "Can't wait to see how this fair is! Maybe we might hit the midway?"

"I promised you a bear. Didn't I?" He raised an eyebrow. Playfulness pumped Muscle from Arm. "I'm super strong. I'll win that contest. Whatever it is." Twinkles danced across his eyes.

"Just wait until you see what I pick out." Liz linked his arm in hers. "Right now, I want to meet up with everyone."

"That, I believe, is a cue. Ladies?" He motioned toward the door. "I'm in the mood for that mystery tour."

"Follow me, you two." Kelly guided them through Fairground's Gate. She handed Harry's payment to a heavy set Silver-Gray Haired Lady working the Ticket Counter. "Okay! We're set!" She led them toward Exhibitors' Area and their waiting friends….

[Exhibitors' Area—Fifteen Minutes Earlier]

Activity buzzed about Exhibitors' Rows. Quilts lined Tables and Walls Behind the residents' heads. Pies sat on tables for Afternoon's Judging. Farmers sat with Horses and Cattles for Mid-Morning's and Next Day's Draws and Judges. 4-H and Farmers' Groups advertised for Membership and other Activities.

Festive Blitz had kicked off….

May adjusted to Folding Chair. Nostalgia blunted Nerves' edge ever so slightly. Worry over fitting in with Tompkins' efforts evaporated with Welcome's warmth. She raised an eyebrow. "Peter, I am sure your friends will be just fine."

Peter tapped his fingers on the table. His eyes kept turning toward the gate. "I just hope their directions are good."

"They're good, Mr. P." Gwen slapped at his arm. "Miss Kell's guiding them inside. I think we can let our hair down." Despite protests to the contrary, Concern kept her on alert. Ghosts still lurked about the area. Previous Day's Attitudes made her feel uneasy. She noted the Duboises speaking with people several tables down. "At least people are being better today."

"This is a county fair, Gwen. People would not wish a scene here." Stacy raised his brow. "Perhaps Peter might take you around the Midway? I am sure Harry and Elizabeth will catch up." He leaned on Cane's support.

"Dad, three isn't a crowd here! We don't mind if you come with us," Gwen disagreed. "I won't have either of my guys playing the wallflower today! You deserve some fun too." She saw Kelly leading Harry and Liz toward them. "Well! It seems the last of our Merry Folks are here! Hi-Ho, People!"

Kelly brought the newcomers over. "Here we are!" She wove their way through the crowd. "Hi, Guys! Look who just got here!"

"Hey, Roomie!" Harry waved to them. "Heard you had a great day yesterday! Sorry we're only getting here. Dad held me up at the office. We kind of have a scramble to get here." Stress ate at him. "I hated holding Liz up. Glad she's so patient with me." Apology sagged in his face. He bowed his head.

Liz glanced up at him. "Harry, it isn't your fault. Your Dad got carried away. The meetings ran over. He wanted you in there. It's okay." She rubbed his shoulder. "He got us that great dinner and the plane ride. Can you relax? We're fine. We'll all have a nice day without work or classes."

"That's the name of the game." Gwen linked Peter's arm in hers. "Lots of great stuff awaits!" She motioned toward Midway. "Maybe a certain Pepper Picking Prince can win me a prize?" She batted her eyes at him.

"Let's see what we can do. First though, I owe a certain lady a ride on the Ferris Wheel. Harry, Liz, wanna come with?" Peter rubbed her arm.

"Dad, would you…?" Gwen wanted to go on the ride. Still, she didn't want to leave her father behind.

Stacy shook his head. "I'll be fine. I'm going to look around the area here. Go on. Have a good time. That is what we're here for."

"Your Dad has a point, Gwen. Maybe we can come and get him for lunch?" Peter proposed. He felt torn. On the one hand, after Previous Day's work, he did want some fun. On the other hand, he knew Gwen would be thinking of her father the entire time. "Smell that sausage? Maybe he'd like some too?"

"We're not young forever, Dear." Stacy kissed Gwen's forehead. "Go on, you Four. Have fun and enjoy!" Insistence motioned toward Midway with sharper head movement.

"I agree, Peter. We'll be quite all right. It's very sweet of you to think of Captain Stacy and me. You young people need some time to yourselves. Go on!" Aunt May added.

"If you say so, Aunt May." Peter squeezed his aunt's hand. He relaxed a little more. "Let's look around and see what's here." Smile spread across his face.

"Since you put it that way, Mr. P. Of course! Sounds like a plan, my Man!" Gwen took his hand and led him toward the midway.

Some matters just needed to be settled….