Old Fashioned Country Fair Fun

The annual fall event, Blackie’s Hay Day, is reminiscent of an old-fashioned country fair.  It takes place in Blackie’s Pasture on Tiburon Boulevard.  The Pasture is named after Blackie, a swaybacked horse who stood in the pasture for nearly 30 years, and became a Tiburon mascot, beloved by children and adults alike.  

There were bundles of hay and children everywhere! Western style activities abounded.  There was a motorized train ride, petting zoo, pony rides, toy tractor races, tot hay rides, steer roping, an ice cream parlor, chuck wagon, Native American teepee, horse shoe toss and many carnival games.  And, of course there was also the ever popular rock climbing wall and plenty of jumpy houses. 

Catherine, 7 ¾, was there with her brother, Chas, 5 ¾ , and little sister, Birdie, 3.  Catherine and Chas enjoyed the steer roping game.  Catherine told me after she roped a steer, “It was fun…I threw it (the rope) and it just got on!…now I want to jump on the jumpy houses and do ALL the games!” Chas enthusiastically nodded his head in agreement. Then I asked Birdie how old she was, and with a smile, she carefully held up 3 fingers. 

Hannah, 6, loved playing with the snakes at Brian Gundy’s, For Goodness Snakes tent. She told me, “I kinda work here…I asked him (Brian) if I could help and he said yes…cause I wanted to really check out the snakes and hold ‘em…and help the other kids…”  She loved putting the snakes around her neck. 

The main stage had live music groups throughout the day. Kids loved dancing to the Hokey Pokey and Country Western tunes.  The stage was filled with little ones bouncing and spinning right in front of the musicians.  

There were bales of hay set up near the statue of Blackie the Horse, so kids could climb up for a ride and a photo opportunity.  

The littlest ones loved the toy tractor rides and races.  They would peddle the little green tractors, sometimes with a push from an adult, down the course to the finish line.  The winning child was given a blue 1st place ribbon.  Amanda, 3 ½, was so excited to get her ribbon and ran over to show her mom.  

Blackie’s Hay Day has become a community tradition that children of all ages look forward to every year.  On this Saturday in September, hundreds of children and their families enjoyed old-fashioned country fair fun.  

Until next Wednesday, remember, it’s all “for the love of kids…”

In joy, Marilyn

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