Alameda County Fair

You go to run into your NCKA friends who aren't on the water much anymore! Good to see the three of you again!

Was great running into you too Janice!    We had a lot of fun at the fair!  Quinn really enjoyed seeing the motor-cross guys jumping and doing tricks and the figure 8 car race was fun too!  We also saw the sheep, pigs, goats etc for for auction, the exhibits, the horse races, the vendors etc.  Quinn did a few carnival games and rides, although they were the same ones you find at any cheezy carnival (Butler). It was hot as hell and the place was packed, but everyone was having a good time.  Food was pretty good, but you had to keep from buying and trying everything until you found something like the bacon wrapped pork belly, or monster corn dogs or you would be sorry.    Didn't try any of the fried deserts, which they had Oreo's, cheese cake, snickers bars, peanut butter cups, brownies, twinkies, and also of course funnel cakes. 

Santa Cruz County Fair is just 2 months away!  Alameda sounds like it was fun though!


    Carnies ... 

Yeah, thinking of going to the SCCF as well!  And I speek Carnie-talk, so dont worry Bill! I'll keep you safe

Thanks Brother! :smt00 .

howard. need to get info from you. we have been noodling the ideal of beef and pork directly from ranchers. just need people to split it with. that's a lot of beef

Just sign your kids up for 4H.

howard. need to get info from you. we have been noodling the ideal of beef and pork directly from ranchers. just need people to split it with. that's a lot of beef

Anyone can purchase livestock from the local County Fairs but I can tell you this, you WILL pay a premium for this meat.  The prices paid at auction are "live"; packing is extra and can add up to a good chunk of change.  Those who purchase from the 4-H & FFA kids are doing so not for a "good deal on meat" but to support local youth.  I grew up in the 4-H and have been attending the local county fairs as a volunteer ever since; mostly in the livestock division.  I was THE "go-to" livestock photographer for a number of counties for several years.  I most likely still have some connections if you are looking for a meat animal.  Best bet is to go directly to the farmer HOWEVER the average 4-H/FFA youth will generally monitor & take care of their animal far better than the average farmer so the quality of the meat may be a little better.  I just saw, last year, that some of these youth are now raising organic meats too if that's a direction you want to go.  Monterey County Fair is Sept. 2-7th & Santa Cruz County Fair is Sept 16-20 followed by San Benito County Fair October 1-4th.  Meat prices at the fairs also vary GREATLY by location.  Hogs at fairs in Fresno top out around $4/lb for 'Grand Champion' whereas here in S.C. Co. we may see "average" hogs in the $5+/lb & "Champion" hogs in the $15-30/lb range.  Youth in the Fresno fairs barely break even, at best, on their show animal investments most years.

The butchers at Freedom Meat Lockers should be able to tell you a good, local farmer to check with.  Depends on the animal you are looking for.

If all else fails ... go meat shopping at Andy's house 

I will PM you Bill