A VILLAGE FAIR

A VILLAGE FAIR 

Fairs are the most popular form of entertainment in the country-side. People work hard, all the year deserve some rest and recreation. It is a fair that provides them  relief and brings them an opportunity to enjoy themselves to their heart's content They forget their caress, leave their daily labour and throw themselves in the fun and frolic of a fair. For them it means that there will be shops and entertainments.
          Fairs have become a characteristic part of rural life: some are held to celebrate the memory of some saints; others are associated  with the seasons.
          I remember going to a fair when I was a boy of thirteen. I still have clear memories of that glorious time. It was held at a village.
         One morning my friends and I left for the fair. We were still at a distance when we  heard the beat of drums and the chime of bells. We quickened our pace and in a short time reached the fair-ground.
         There we found ourselves in a big crowd of people, all in their best colourful clothes. They were in high spirits. Everyone wanted to see everything in the fair as quickly as possible.
         The sweetmeat-seller's stall attracted a large group of people. They were shouting their orders.
The children crowded round a toy-seller who sat on the ground with his toys spread before him. He was announcing the names of the toys and their prices in a singsong voice. A little further there was a merry-go-round. The happy, excited cries of the children filled the air. Nearby, a juggler was showing his tricks.
       While we stood there, we heard a loud shout. "Come one, come all-see the wonder of wonders, half-man, half monster -come and see." We turned round and saw the announcer standing before a tent. We went in and saw it.
        In the evening there were games. As the contestants matched their skill  and strength in the arena, their supporters shouted and encouraged them. When the game ended, the Chairman of the District Council gave away the prizes.
        It was almost night when we returned home-we were tired but we were happy.