Below is a feature story written last summer during my time at the Washington Post. More work is to come, and further samples are available upon request in the interim.
“The weather's been fantastic," said fair superintendent Terry Corle. "It's just been nice."
With the week's average high temperature at just below 90 degrees, Corle was one of many who sought refuge under a variety of coverings available within the fair's Leesburg grounds. For people like Kari Borgquist and Tyler Barton, however, taking long breaks was not necessarily an option; they were working.
"We're campaigning for Greg Ahlemann," said Borgquist, 16. "He's running for sheriff."
Between handing out literature in the 91-degree heat, the pair was busy affixing balloons to a fence and delivering them to passing children. Though Borgquist was enjoying herself, she did have a predictable -- if minor -- grievance.
"It's a little warm out, but it's not bad," reported the young activist.
Close by, Purcellville resident Brennan DeBow echoed his neighbor's sentiment regarding the temperature. Like 40 other exhibitors at the fair, though, the young man was driven by entrepreneurship rather than advocacy.
Along with other members of the 4-H rabbit club, DeBow had erected a makeshift concession stand complete with hand-lettered signs reading "snack shack." Selling soda at 50 cents a pop, the hare lovers hoped to raise money for the purchase of food, medicine and other essentials.
"We've sold a lot of stuff," said DeBow. When asked what was the most popular item, he stated emphatically, "The sodas!"
As the afternoon wore on, sales continued to rise with the mercury while families streamed to and from the dry fields used for parking. Those just arriving were in for a shock as their freshly washed vehicles became enveloped in a shroud of thin brown dirt, even leading one attendee to exclaim, "It’s a dust bowl!"
Soon, though, navigating the makeshift parking area would become more difficult than frustrating. Just as a crowd of several hundred gathered around the horse ring for the evening's last event, clouds darker than those already in the sky moved in slowly from the east.
In a fashion indicative of varying personalities, congregants began to announce their thoughts regarding the weather. Friends and families looked to one another for confirmation that it had, in fact, begun to rain, but soon none was necessary.
As the week's dry spell came to an end and the temperature dropped, some sought cover while others took no notice of the drastically different conditions. Children splashed in puddles while some adults trudged through the now-muddy fields to retrieve vehicles, others choosing to stick it out for one last night at the fair.
Those that left before darkness fell were likely to notice a series of signs along the way out that provided a reminder of just how fast a year can pass. "Thanks for Visiting the Loudoun County Fair!" they read. "See You Again Soon!"
For fair superintendent Terry Corle, "soon" has already begun; as of next week, he will begin preparations for the 2008 Loudoun County Fair. With an estimated 40 exhibitors, 300 4-H members, and 20,000 visitors this year, the fair is bigger than ever.
"It's a big production is what it is," Corle said, adding, "It's been a good week."
The Loudoun County Fair began in 1936 as a venue for children to exhibit their work in 4-H, a youth organization administered by the United States Department of Agriculture. The fair draws attendees from across Loudoun County, Virginia, the population of which is estimated to be approximately 272,000.
Quicktime Virtual Reality Movies
These movies were another product of my time at Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive. All the places of worship are located in Falls Church, Virginia.
- Chesterbrook Taiwanese Presbyterian Church
- Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center
- Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
- Graham Road United Methodist Church
- Great Grace Presbyterian Church
- Idylwood Presbyterian Church
- Iglesia de Santa Maria
- Knox Presbyterian Church
- Temple Rodef Shalom
- Second Baptist Church
- St. Paul's Lutheran Church
- St. Philip Catholic Church
Audio Slideshows
Obama's Reasoning - Coverage of Barack Obama rally before Super Tuesday in Hartford, CT. Produced with Canon EOS cameras, M-Audio Microtrack II/Sennheiser wireless kit, and Soundslides Plus.
Cafe Folk - Ali Eskandarian, an Iranian folk singer. Produced with Canon EOS cameras, M-Audio Microtrack II recorder, and Soundslides Plus.
Step Afrika - "Step" dance troupe from Washington, DC. Produced with Canon EOS cameras, M-Audio Microtrack II/Sennheiser wireless kit, and Soundslides Plus.
Other Movies
Joe Courtney - Interview with United States Representative Joe Courtney (D-2nd). Produced with Panasonic DVX100s and Final Cut Pro.
A Fair Farewell - Audio slideshow to complement the story that dominates this page. Produced on deadline with Canon EOS cameras, Zoom H4 recorder, and Final Cut Pro.