Magic of Cattle Congress carries eternal inspiration

By: Sierra Steen

Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional.

This is something I’ve told myself numerous times in the past few years, whether it be when I still play Pokémon or Animal Crossing, or when I read the comics published in the Courier every day.

Cattle Congress weekend is a time when my inner child truly comes out.

Ever since I can remember, I would cancel all of my plans and take time off of work just so I could go to the local fair. I loved it then, and I love it now.

I’m continuously fascinated by the lights, the people and the atmosphere in general. It’s still amazing to me — I swear I walk around with my eyes widened and my mouth dropped as if I’d never seen the fair before. Not only are the lights beautiful, but the people milling around me, laughing and taking pictures and eating delicious fair food fill me with joy. Seeing other people get so happy at the same thing that has entertained me for years makes it all even better.

Unfortunately, I find people my age do not appreciate the small things at the fair as much as they used to. I remember a time when groups of friends would go, accompanied by parents and would spend all day at the fair, riding the various attractions and getting their hands sticky with sweet cotton candy and mini donuts.

Now, everyone has seemingly grown out of it.

People are now too busy or too “mature” to go out and ride a few rides and have fun with friends and family, or they just don’t see the appeal in it anymore. It’s apparently “uncool” to go to the fair now, for some farfetched reason.

If we could slow down time a little, I feel like people would be able to appreciate the Cattle Congress more. Everything is so rushed nowadays.  Lives are getting busier, and people are going to stop taking the time to go out and experience the fair like we did when we were children.

Me, on the other hand, I’m going to continue going every single year the fair comes to town, marvelling at each twinkling light and admiring the view from the top of the Ferris wheel. I don’t feel the same need to grow up. I think looking at life through a young eye helps you see the world as a more beautiful and new place.

I can’t stop myself from growing old, but I never, ever want to grow up.