“Half a mile from the county fair…”
– Sir Van Morrison
Although the great Irish songwriter’s “And It Stoned Me” lyric refers to one of his fishing experiences, it applies to my life in relation to the concurrent Clay County Agricultural Fair.
I reside roughly two miles from the fairgrounds in Green Cove Springs, not ideal for my daily commute to Clay Today but a convenient spot for major events around GCS.
The popular, ongoing spectacle runs through April 13 – and it has been a well-oiled machine, by most accounts. “Traffic has been smooth, and we’re having a great time out here,” said the fair’s Executive Director Tasha Hyder, whose account matters most.
Although attendance was slightly lower than expected – chiefly due to the heat and humidity -– during the first weekend, Hyder had positive thoughts after consulting with Mother Nature. “The weather outlook is in our favor,” she pointed out.
Professional duties required me to visit the fair twice; personal interest and curiosity led me back thrice.
Over the weekend, temperatures hovered around 90 degrees, but the early bird got the breeze: Before noon, the fairgrounds felt comfortable.
Strolling and wandering around a county fair, it’s easy to take delight in things big and small. In my case, that meant a chair in the shade – a sight for sore eyes and a seat for sore feet.
Making the circumstances more pleasant: The mouth-watering doughnuts courtesy of Peachey’s Baking Co. As a hockey fan whose parents had sweet tooths (we kept dentists in business), I’m familiar with round, sugary wonders. If my taste buds are accurate, Sarasota-based Peachey’s warm confections are unsurpassed.
Speaking of sweet treats, you’ll find a historic one in leafy Early Florida Village, where Dustin Elrod was stirring the pot. A 60-gallon kettle, to be precise.
Walking through the fair’s hamlet is akin to time travel; the village looks and feels like one from a century ago. Fitting right in is Dustin and bundled stalks of sugar cane for the purpose of concocting syrup. If you’re used to maple syrup from trees, feast your eyes and nostrils on his old-school concoction.
Dustin will return to the fairgrounds village on Saturday. More often, he rolls up his sleeves at Elrod Acres on Thunder Road in Penney Farms, where his family hosts their annual “Cane Grinding” in late November. It’s also where they produce homemade jams and honey.
As a proverbial old soul who misses America’s halcyon days of yore, I’ve already penciled in the next Cane Grinding. Those who aren’t new to Clay County might be aware Elrod Acres Cracker House cracked open for public consumption in 2015.
I shall visit Dustin’s neck of the woods sooner than later. Much like Early Florida Village, its tradition and roots are right up my alley.
Before then, a fourth visit to the latest fair – given its proximity – is probable. In addition to syrup and doughnuts, there are more things to consume, such as pretzels. Don’t get it twisted.
