I’m standing there trying to blend in behind the scenes, crouched like the dog in front of me, anticipating the next move. The only difference between us is that he actually knows what’s about to happen next.
The dog glances up at me and gives me a look. “What are you doing here?” he seems to ask. I realize I look more out of place then a dog with bullhorns strapped to his head. My sneakers sink into the dirt. My head lacks a cowboy hat. I have no business standing where I’m standing except for one thing: the camera in my hand.
I feel very privileged. Every day, complete strangers grant me access to their lives. Doors swing open in front of me, all because of the camera.
Nowhere has this been truer than the last two weeks at the fair.
Folks from the midway to the exhibition halls have taken time to explain topics as varied as goat milking and vinegar bottling. People have shared their stories and let me photograph brief moments in their lives. I wish they could all end up in the paper at the end of the day.
In an attempt to remedy that misfortune, there will be a Web gallery at www.heraldnet.com with more photos from the fair. You’ll find everything that has been in the paper plus a lot of photos we just couldn’t squeeze in. I hope you’ll enjoy our last look at this year’s Evergreen State Fair.
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