The main goal was walking down the street, passing by the ominous graveyard while trying not to break out ankles on the sidewalk. Seeing kids holding onto their sugary drinks and cotton candy from the walk to the car released excitement and energy into the atmosphere. Entering the gate, The Great Allentown Fair buzzed with exciting energy. The sun setting and late summer air filled with the smells of gyros and other sizzling grilled items churned my stomach. Loved ones and significant others held their hands together while smiles were stamped across their faces.

As I went through security, my attention was drawn to two small, worried children causing a nervous scene near the edge of a vibrant, crowded area. Both the girl and boy, perhaps around the ages of six and seven, had frowns etched across their faces. Worriedness and with tears forming around their eyes, they scanned through the crowd of people until they came upon this woman in a tightly worn hijab covering her eyes while she pushed the empty stroller in their direction. They run as fast as they can not looking back at the security guard, hugging their mother tightly. Although a sentimental moment, she did not look so pleased. However she was calm as she did not lose her two children. 

Amidst the smell of steamy food, I could hear the chatter and laughter of those around me. A man, passing down ride tickets he didn’t need anymore to a parent, allowed for the eye-widening, glowing, bright smile to come across the child’s face asking, “Can we go on that ride again!?” Another man, widened his mouth to fit as much gyro as he possibly could in one bite. His facial muscles relax after tasting the goodness of the steam. He savors each bite of his gyro with palpable delight. The warm, spiced meat and creamy tzatziki sauce glazed all over the top and on the sides of his mouth spilled slightly from the soft pita break as he took another generous bite while his eyes slowly closed in sheer contentment. The smells around allow for a symphony of my mouth to also water while looking at all the delicious items each person was holding. 

Moving on from the food portion of the fair, I find a quieter section where the poultry farm has set up many cages of bunnies. Rows of similar cages fill the air with the smell of potent manure from the droppings each of the relaxed bunnies had to offer. Twenty-five dollars, I see, written on a sheet of paper attached to each of the cages. Along with the prices, the number one or two was written alongside them indicating the place they won. The bunnies exhibited a range of unique fur colors and patterns and even some had red, pungent eyes. Each one of their little noses twitched inquisitively as they moved about their premises. Some cling their long teeth to the cages hoping they can escape. 

As the evening draws to an end, the memories of the vivid lights and excited screams linger, offering a lasting taste of the ending of summer and moments families and friends experience.