This past weekend, Lyndon showed us why it is a great neighborhood. The annual Lyndon Area Fair at Robsion Park was unpacked, and a good time was had by all.
Sure, the usual fair folk were there: food vendors pushing elephant ears and overpriced sodas. Carnies taking tickets for a ride that gave your kid a quick thrill. A gauntlet of sponsors who tried to sell you their wares before you escaped.
But what made this a great event was the atmosphere. Warm summer evening with a cool breeze. Even warmer people greeting you with a smile at every turn. Cold adult beverages and lively conversation in the makeshift beer garden. Kids laughing as they slid down the two story inflatable slide. Live music from the stage. And fireworks to end the event on Saturday.
It made for the perfect summer weekend.
I've always said that what made Louisville great is the people. The Southern Hospitality, if you will. And this was in no short supply at the fair.
The band on Friday night, Lunar Beach House, was a blast. A Jimmy Buffet tribute band, they had the crowd dancing and singing along. One woman, a "groupie", spun on the dance floor wearing a foam parrot hat. On Saturday, the Rigbys, a Beatles band, played to the crowd.
My favorite part? The local food vendors! Usually, a fair will only use the usual carny food vendors with overpriced grub. But there were several local vendors selling delicious, reasonably priced edibles. ValuMarket sold $1 hot dogs, $1 ears of corn (with butter!) and $1 sodas or water...I ate a great meal for $3! They also served a delicious looking prime rib sandwich. Mike's Best Meat Market was on hand serving brats and other great looking sandwiches.
And kudos to the Elks, who ran a great beer garden. The beer was ice cold, and the guys pouring were as friendly and funny as any bartender in town.
Overall, this was the best way to kick off the beginning of summer.
If I were you, I would set aside an evening, one year from now, to visit this fair. I guarantee you won't be sorry. And I guarantee, you'll get to see the best of one of Louisville's great neighborhoods.
