Corn Husk Doll

This time of year in Arkansas has fond memories for me. It consists of three words that Lora reminded me of in her post earlier today.

War Eagle Fair.

I've only been three times, but it is the most amazing thing I've been to. It's a shame to call it a craft fair, because it is so much more than that.

You start out by driving over steep, curvy roads to get into the beautiful depths of Arkansas in the middle of fall, just to park in a cow pasture. Then you have to make sure you don't walk through any cow gifts as you head to the four big circus tents that are just the start of your day.

As I remember it, there was at least one exhibit hall on this side of the water mill where the circus tents were located. The fair had gotten so large that it had crossed over the little one car bridge (that you walked on en masse with others as single rows of cars occasionally were) to where hundreds of individual exhibitors had their tents set up on the other side.

The first year Hubby and I went was 1990, before kids. I know my grandparents and aunt and uncle were there, but that's all I remember. If I pulled out the pictures I'd remember who else, but I'm too lazy.

My aunt loved Nan's Corn Husk Dolls and specifically took me to her booth in one of the large tents. She had me pick one out for myself. Of course I picked one that had a blue dress and a basket of kittens.

I can't put my hands on the card that came with her, but the part of Nan's story I remember is that her family was having trouble making ends meet and so she started making the corn husk dolls to sell. It was much more successful than they ever imagined.

My doll lives in the cabinet with my other dolls. They are all unique, but she's one of the ones that has a special story.

This post is linked to Show and Tell Friday hosted by Cindy at My Romantic Home.