The Annual Hoedown at Fair Oaks

The Hoedown Trail Boss

All good things happen at Fair Oaks thanks to his amazing stewardship.

The Musicians

The base fiddle player is my friend Scotty who is one of the Fair Oaks staff. He is so sweet and talented!

Matty!

Matt is one of my dearest friends. He is young but almost like a contemporary to me. He is wise beyond his years and a very thoughtful friend. He is a long time member of the Fair Oaks family.

My beloved friend Mark, like a son!

 

Notes From my Residency Journal

 

The annual Hoedown has come and gone in a flash. It is one of my favorite events and I look forward to it each year. It is a huge undertaking for the staff but they make it look effortless just as they do all activities at Fair Oaks. There is a marvelous hay ride, an enormous bon fire with the makings for Smores, fried turkey with all of the trimmings, a real popcorn machine, all sorts of hot and cold beverages and a huge array of desserts. No one leaves hungry, I can assure you.

 

 

After dinner there is square dancing with a caller to teach participants the art of circle and square dancing. I enjoy watching them while I sit on the crates in front of giant hay bales, or stand over by the fire. The music goes on into the night. I watch little boys play in the hay and run around the field playing their own mysterious games, while parents chat in groups. Behind the scenes, the staff works tirelessly to clean tables, wash dishes and pack up food. Magda, Fair Oaks photographer scurries around taking lovely photos to record the evening for our memories. The pups, Buddy and Shane wander from one human friend to the next, ever checking back on their Daddy during the festivities. I love these pups as I love my own dear Henry. I can hear the blacksmith in his station pounding the metal while visitors watch.

 

I was thinking on my way home about how fortunate I am to have developed the love and friendships with the family of  Fair Oaks. We all have a love for the mission of this special land and those it welcomes and supports. It is a rare privilege indeed to be included in so many activities at this incredible place.