Traditions

Ah ... we are into our fourth day of summer, and loving it.  I know this month will pass in a blur, but it's a month which holds certain traditions, and not the least of those is the Christmas season. However, the first December tradition occurred today, the local village street fair.

As usual, we were early arrivals and after walking a brief distance it was unanimously voted that the first stop would be the coffee shop. I love the smell of coffee in the morning.

The reason we like to arrive early is another tradition, the day starts with the Knox School Pipes and Drums Band and we were fortunate enough to have a front row view.  It's amazing how easy it is to achieve that position if you are prepared to kick old ladies, children and dogs out of the way.  Of course we didn't. but at our age we're entitled to our evil fantasies.

The young boy in the centre took his twirling so seriously - it was endearing to watch.

Some folk like men in tights.  Give me men in kilts any day.

Look at the swoosh of the pleats as they march in unison.  Perfect.

We were delighted with the quality and variety of goodies offered by the stall holders.

The crowds quickly built up and the stall holders were kept on their toes.  We even bumped into our three grandchildren and their parents who were on their way to fly down a giant slide set up for the day.  The grandchildren.  Not the parents.

I loved some of the quirky fashion worn by the young, although I must admit I was somewhat relieved to discover that this young lass was actually wearing leggings and her legs weren't tattooed!

There were beautiful linens with wonderful designs.

Hats and bags ...

And food ...

But at the end of the day it wasn't about us humans - it was the dogs' day out.

Whether they wanted to be there or not.

It's so good to take a small break from the sewing machine, although I am frantically putting the finishing touches to a couple of quilt tops.

Next Friday our second December tradition will take place.  Can't wait. 

A Village Fair

It's in its 20th year and it's huge - the Wahroonga Village Fair.  

When we left Wahroonga nearly 22 years ago, the Village Fair wasn't even on the drawing board, but over the years as its reputation grew, our friends kept telling us how wonderful it was.  And now that we are only three train stops away, yesterday we finally were able to experience it for ourselves.

Or course, before all else we needed to keep our strength up with a morning cup of coffee and with so many coffee shops to choose from, it wasn't long before we felt human again.

While sipping on our coffees, we were entertained by the Knox Grammar School Pipe Band.  

We were blown away.

But floated back in time to listen to the Knox Grammar School Big Band, who played like professionals.

By some miracle we spied the family in the throng, and the serious shopping began.

You know you are back in Sydney when you see Christmas Bush for sale.

What's a fair without balloons?

Who can go past home made marmalade?  Not us Fudges.

Same goes for Italian pastries.

She the Adventuress took a ride on the wild side.

Snack time, and nothing is better than a sausage roll when you are two.  Bliss.

It felt as though all the neighbourhood dogs were at the fair, greeting their old acquaintances.

This was my favourite stall - the quality of their clothing stood out from the crowd.

Ollie & Max

Sadly, the weather turned really nasty and we scurried home slightly wet, but missed the worst of it.  What a pity that this delightful fair couldn't have been blessed with a full day of sunshine, but at least it was rewarded with a huge turnout for the first half of the day.

Will I be back next year as a stall holder?  What do you think?